Is COVID-19 or Strep Throat causing your sore throat? This question can be quite perplexing. While grappling with COVID-19 is no easy feat, Strep Throat can also bring significant distress. It's important to keep in mind that alongside COVID-19, colds, flu, and strep throat are prevalent this season, each accompanied by sore throats. Pinpointing the source of your sore throat may pose a challenge, but AFC Urgent Care Southpoint is here to elucidate the distinctions in our guide on sore throats and assist you in determining if it's strep throat or COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a Virus
COVID-19, arising from the SARS-CoV-2 virus discovered in December 2019, is, as we know now, highly contagious and primarily triggers respiratory symptoms akin to a cold, flu, or pneumonia. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, new loss of taste or smell, and sore throat.
It's crucial to note that symptoms may vary with the variant, and the current ones are HV.1 and JN.1. Staying up to date with the latest COVID-19 vaccine is imperative. While those who have received all available vaccines usually experience mild symptoms, others, especially the unvaccinated, elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions, may face severe illness.
Strep Throat Isn't A Viral Infection; It's A Bacterial Infection!
Strep throat, on the other hand, stems from a bacterial infection and seldom presents respiratory symptoms. If you have strep throat, you may experience a rapid onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.
Symptoms typically NOT related to Strep throat include cough and runny nose. Similar to COVID-19, strep throat has a specific test that can determine the presence of bacteria causing the infection.
Testing For Strep Throat
Just like COVID-19 testing, there are specific tests for strep throat. The initial step usually involves a rapid throat swab test. Getting tested for everything, including a rapid strep test via a throat swab, is essential for ruling out the cause of your sore throat. Considering flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and COVID-19 testing is the next step.
AFC Urgent Care Southpoint Can Test You For COVID-19 And Strep Throat
Entering the second half of winter, people are facing various illnesses like COVID, flu, colds, and strep throat. As your local urgent care, AFC Urgent Care Southpoint provides flu shots, COVID-19 rapid molecular testing, rapid 'Back to Work' COVID Antigen tests, rapid strep tests, and more urgent care services, seven days a week.
You can walk in anytime or make an appointment online. We also can get you tested for strep throat, and we will guide you through the next steps for treatment and recovery. If you test positive, we can initiate antibiotic treatment, and it's crucial to complete the entire prescription to prevent strep from returning. AFC Urgent Care Southpoint is committed to serving your urgent care needs.
AFC Urgent Care Southpointis open 7 days seven days a week, accommodating both scheduled appointments and walk-ins. Most insurance plans are accepted, guaranteeing timely and accessible healthcare services. Utilize our easy-to-navigate online payment system – a few clicks and you can conveniently manage your bill. Rely on us for reliable and prompt healthcare services tailored to meet your individual needs.
