“We’re seeing more patients than ever at our urgent-care centers who are reporting sore throats,” says Dr. Vincent Meoli, AFC Regional Medical Director in a recent interview.
We’re currently seeing many patients coming in with sore throats worried that they may have COVID-19. There are other winter illnesses to worry about as well (sorry!), such as strep throat, flu and colds. If you’re experiencing a sore throat, it can be any one of them.
But, how do I know if I have strep throat or something worse? There are differences between each illness. For starters, strep throat is the only infection out of that list that is caused by a bacterial infection. The rest are all viral infections. Strep throat can linger if you don’t use antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing it. It is also highly contagious making it a threat this winter.
If you’re still unsure about the differences, let’s take a look at them together in our guide and see how you can find sore throat relief at AFC Urgent Care Worcester.
Strep Throat Doesn’t Usually Come With Respiratory Symptoms
This is a major difference between strep throat and the other winter illnesses out there.Strep mainly targets the throat and tonsils, but you won’t often experience respiratory symptoms. However, you should watch out for these symptoms of strep throat as sore throats caused by this illness can be severe:
- Red, sore throat with white patches on throat and tongue
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Fatigue
If you have a sore throat, and let’s say congestion, then it could possibly be COVID-19 since congestion is a common respiratory symptom that accompanies COVID. You should be aware of these respiratory symptoms when having COVID-19:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Congestion
- New loss of smell and/or taste
Let’s not forget about the flu and colds. You can look back here for the differences between colds, flu and COVID-19.
Why Does My Strep Throat Still “linger” Or Keep Coming Back?
We mentioned earlier a bacterial infection like strep throat requires antibiotics to help clear it up. But, why do you hear about people still having strep or that it keeps coming back? Chances are you didn’t finish your antibiotics.
We highly suggest completing your full dose even if you start to feel okay days before. If you stop too soon, it gives the bacteria the opportunity to grow back causing it to “come back”.
Is There A Test For Strep Throat?
If you’re still unsure about the symptoms and differences, it’s best to get tested for everything. There is a rapid strep test that is performed via a throat swab. This is the first step. If it comes back positive, then we can prescribe antibiotics so you can start treatment on the same day.
Testing for strep throat is one way to rule out what’s causing your sore throat. The next is to consider flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines and booster and COVID-19 testing.
AFC Urgent Care Worcester Can Help Test You For COVID-19
AFC Urgent Care Worcester is open seven days a week for patients of all ages, including flu vaccinations, diagnostic rapid molecular tests for COVID-19, rapid strep tests, physicals, on-site X-rays, care for minor bone breaks and burns, and stitches for cuts and lacerations.
“With the resurgence of COVID-19, your best bet is to seek testing if you are feeling unwell. We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as well as the annual flu vaccine, as preventive measures to help reduce your risks of serious illness.” - Dr. Vincent Meoli, regional medical director of AFC.
AFC Urgent Care cares about your health and is here for our friends and families in the Worcester community to give you the right care. Right now. Just walk-in!
