“I have a sore throat. Is it strep throat or COVID-19?” 

“We’re seeing more patients than ever at our urgent-care centers who are reporting sore throats,” says Dr. Vincent Meoli, regional medical director of AFC in a recent interview. 

Colds, flu, strep throat and COVID-19 are very common right now, especially in the colder months. With cases of COVID-19 surging, the easy go to these days is that it’s COVID. But, you can’t rule out the other winter season illnesses. If it’s not COVID-19 you still have to treat the other illnesses. 

Out of that list, strep throat is an illness you shouldn’t ignore. It’s highly contagious and it’s caused by a bacterial infection requiring medication to knock it out. AFC Urgent Care West Springfield understands the confusion about sore throats this winter and is here to help you differentiate whether it’s strep throat or COVID-19.

What’s the difference between strep throat and COVID-19? 

Strep throat is caused by bacteria (group A streptococcus). It can spread from droplets when coughing, sneezing or sharing things with others. A fever may begin suddenly and is often highest on the second day. But, the worst symptom of them all is a sore throat. Some say it feels like swallowing “broken glass”. Because strep is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are needed to kill the bacteria growth in the throat and tonsils. 

Unlike strep, the flu, colds and COVID-19 are caused by a viral infection. If you’re symptomatic and are experiencing these respiratory symptoms, then chances are it’s COVID-19:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• New loss of smell and/or taste

The flu and colds are also common right now, and if you are unsure about the symptoms and their differences, you can check them out here.

Your Best Bet Is To Get Tested For Strep AND COVID-19

Is there a test for strep? Yes, there is a rapid strep test that can be performed at our AFC Urgent Care center in West Springfield. Getting tested for strep is the first step. If you test positive, we can start treatment right away and prescribe you antibiotics. 

Note!: We highly suggest completing your ENTIRE prescription. The goal is to get rid of the bacteria that is causing strep. If you stop your medications too soon, it can build a resistance to your antibiotics and it could come back (the dreaded strep that doesn’t want to go away). 

While you're at it, we can test you for COVID-19 as well. We offer a molecular rapid test  that can give you results on the same day. This way, we can rule out these illnesses and guide you on the next step to recovery.

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield Is Seeing Patients For Sore Throats

If you suspect strep throat to be the cause of your sore throat, we can perform a rapid strep test to find out right away. If you’re positive we’ll prescribe you antibiotics to get started on treatment. Please make sure to finish your entire prescription. Stopping too soon can give the bacteria causing strep to build a resistance and “come back”. 

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield is open seven days a week for patients of all ages on a walk in basis, for  flu vaccinations, diagnostic rapid tests for COVID-19, physicals, on-site X-rays, care for minor bone breaks and burns, stitches for cuts and lacerations, and more. 

Always here for our friends and families in the West Springfield community.