“I have a sore throat. Is it COVID-19 or Strep Throat?”
Sore throats are very common when testing positive for COVID-19. But, we're also in the middle of winter. Colds, flu and even strep throat are pretty common right now as well!
Don’t jump for joy if you’ve tested negative for COVID-19 but still have a scratchy and painful sore throat. Strep throat is not your typical “sore throat” that will go away on its own. Unlike viral infections, COVID-19, flu, or the common cold, strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection called “Streptococcal pharyngitis. Treating strep throat requires antibiotics.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington understands that there is an increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant. But, we’re also seeing patients for strep throat and other winter illnesses that can sneak up on you or your loved ones when least expected. Let’s go over the differences together.
Strep Throat Versus COVID-19 Symptoms
If you have a sore throat accompanied by respiratory symptoms, chances are it’s COVID-19.
The main symptoms of Strep throat include:
- Red sore throat, sometimes with white patches
- Swollen Uvula
- Gray furry tongue
- It may hurt to swallow
- You may feel swollen, tender glands in your neck
But, just like COVID-19, symptoms will overlap and can be confusing. Other symptoms of strep throat that are similar to COVID-19 are:
- A fever
- Chills
- General feelings of fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
If you have COVID-19 and are symptomatic, you’ll most likely have one or more of these respiratory symptoms that are not found in strep throat:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Loss of smell and/or taste
***We highly suggest getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu too! The flu is also common this season and getting vaccinated can help rule out some of these winter illnesses. Click here to learn the differences between colds, flu and COVID-19
AFC Urgent Care Torrington Can Test For Strep Throat And COVID-19
With a resurgence of COVID-19 cases thanks to the Omicron variant and other winter illnesses like strep, flu, and colds in the mix, it’s best to get evaluated and tested. Luckily for you, AFC Urgent Care Torrington offers both PCR molecular testing and rapid molecular testing for COVID-19, as well as a rapid test for strep.
If you test negative for COVID-19 and positive for strep, then we can help you start treatment right away. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. We highly suggest completing your prescription to ensure that strep does not come back.
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is open 7 days a week for patients of all ages, offering flu vaccinations, physicals, on-site X-rays, care for minor bone breaks and burns, and stitches for cuts and lacerations.
