While the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is currently surging around Connecticut, it’s not the only source of sore throats during these bitter winter months. Flu, colds and strep throat are here as well, and we are seeing people for all of these ailments.
Of that list, strep throat is the only one that’s caused by a bacterial infection. It doesn’t come with respiratory symptoms like COVID-19, flu and colds do. We know the symptoms overlap and that it can be confusing as to what you may have this winter, so AFC Urgent Care Danbury is here to help you learn about the symptoms of strep throat and how they differ from COVID-19.
Strep Throat Mainly Targets The Throat And Tonsils
If you have strep throat you’ll experience these symptoms:
- Sore throat that can start very quickly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny, red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
If you are symptomatic with COVID-19 and have a sore throat, you’ll also usually have these respiratory symptoms along with it:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- Loss of smell and/or taste
The key difference between the strep throat and COVID-19 is that you usually will not have respiratory symptoms with strep. Strep mainly focuses on the throat and tonsils.
***Let’s not forget about the other winter illnesses out there. Learn more about the differences between COVID-19, colds and the flu here.
Is There A Test For Strep Throat?
Yes, there is. We offer a rapid strep test (throat swab) to determine if there is bacteria growth.
During this time we highly suggest getting tested for everything. We’re seeing more and more patients coming in with sore throats and you don’t want to rule out all the other winter illnesses. You also want to keep in mind that strep throat can still linger if you don’t seek treatment right away. It can also come back, especially in children who are notorious for spreading germs.
Schools are common breeding grounds for bacteria and kids can easily spread strep throat if they cough, sneeze or touch the same things as you at home.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury Can Treat Strep Throat
If you’re worried about strep throat being added to your list of winter illnesses this season, you can count on AFC Urgent Care Danbury to help diagnose you or your child for strep throat. The first step will be the rapid strep test and the throat swab (Cultured) test to determine if there is bacteria growth. From there, we can prescribe you antibiotics to start treatment right away. We highly suggest finishing your antibiotics as stopping too early can lead to strep coming back.
AFC in Danbury also offers COVID-19 testing to help rule that out too. We offer both PCR and rapid molecular tests for COVID-19 making it easier for you to get the most reliable results in the Greater Danbury area.
