COVID-19 is not the only winter illness to worry about this winter. You can’t forget about colds, flu and even strep throat. Lately, we’re seeing patients coming in for sore throats and everyone is thinking it’s COVID-19.
COVID-19 cases have been rising over the past two months, but it doesn’t mean that every sore throat is COVID-19 related. Strep throat is another infection you should be worrying about this winter season because it’s also just as contagious. You can easily spread it by sneezing, coughing and sharing things with others if you’re not too careful.
AFC Urgent Care Saugus is here to inform you about the other winter illnesses out there with our guide on strep throat -- and yes, it’s not just COVID-19!
Strep Throat Is Actually Caused By A Bacterial Infection
Yes, you heard that right. Strep throat is usually caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus. It’s not like colds, flu and COVID-19 where it can sometimes go away on its own with rest and over the counter medication. Strep requires antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing it.
It’s also a more severe type of sore throat that often feels sensitive to touch (lymph nodes) and hurts when swallowing. You should also watch out for these symptoms:
- Red, sore throat with white patches on throat and tongue
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Fatigue
If You Have A Sore Throat And Respiratory Symptoms, Then Chances Are It’s Probably COVID-19
The major difference between strep throat and all the other illnesses is that it doesn’t come with respiratory symptoms. Colds, flu and COVID-19 do. If you’re unsure if your sore throat is from either one of those three you can check out the differences between colds, flu and COVID-19 here.
But, if you have sore throat and these specific respiratory symptoms, then you may have COVID-19:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- New loss of smell and/or taste
Your best bet is to get tested if you’re feeling unwell.
Rule Out Strep Throat And COVID-19 By Getting Tested At AFC Urgent Care Saugus
Need a test for strep throat? How about COVID-19? AFC Urgent Care Saugus offers both rapid molecular testing for COVID-19 , ‘back to work’ COVID Antigen tests, as well as rapid strep tests 7 days a week, with no appointment needed.
“We perform a quick throat swab in our office. If the results are positive for strep, we prescribe antibiotics, which tend to effectively clear it up,” he said. “With the resurgence of COVID-19, your best bet is to seek testing if you are feeling unwell. We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as well as the annual flu vaccine, as preventive measures to help reduce your risks of serious illness.” - Dr. Vincent Meoli, Regional Medical Director of AFC.
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