While the Omicron variant B.1.1.529 of COVID-19 circulating around Connecticut, it’s not the only cause of sore throats during these bitter winter months. Flu, colds, and strep throat are common too.

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. 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 Infects the Throat and Tonsils

If you have strep throat, the following symptoms will be present:

• Sore throat 
• 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.

COVID-19 Symptoms May Also Cause a Sore Throat

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 that is highly contagious and has changed the way our society views viruses in the past 3 years. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. 

COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system as well as other parts of your body. Most people who have had all of the available vaccines will experience mild symptoms, but some people, mostly those who have not been vaccinated, the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, can become severely ill.

If you are symptomatic with COVID-19 and have a sore throat, any or all of these respiratory symptoms can occur:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose

Reminder: some people may not experience any symptoms but are still contagious. Symptoms may vary due to variant change. The latest variant is Omicron B.1.1.529.

Getting tested for COVID-19 And Strep Throat

For Strep Throat, we offer a rapid strep test (throat swab) to determine if there is bacteria growth. When testing for COVID-19 we offer rapid Antigen tests and PCR tests. During this time we highly suggest getting tested for everything. Whether the results come back positive or negative, we are here to help and attend to your needs. And of course, we can treat strep throat with antibiotics. 

AFC Urgent Care Danbury Can Test and 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. If you do have strep throat, we can treat you with antibiotics! 

AFC in Danbury also offers COVID-19 testing to help rule that out. We offer both PCR and rapid molecular tests for COVID-19 making it easier for you to get the most reliable results in the Danbury area. There shouldn’t be any hesitation in making an appointment with us. Our doors are open 7 days a week and we’re here for you on a walk-in basis.