Coronavirus and Sore Throats: Essential Facts Explored
A sore throat is a common symptom in COVID-19 patients, and in some cases, it can be the only sign of the infection. However, more research is needed to confirm that a sore throat is a definitive symptom of COVID-19.
Recent studies suggest that the Omicron strain of the virus can cause COVID-19 even with seemingly mild symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, sneezing, and sore throat. Unlike earlier virus variants, these symptoms may not necessarily indicate a common cold or flu.
A sore throat due to COVID-19 can last for several days, with some improvement by the fifth day. It can feel dry, scratchy, or itchy, and in some cases, it may cause pain when swallowing. If a person's throat pain worsens or they struggle to swallow their saliva, they may want to contact a doctor.
Swollen lymph nodes due to COVID-19 can also cause soreness on one or both sides of the throat. If a sore throat lasts more than a couple of days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, headaches, runny nose, shortness of breath, diarrhea, chest tightness, or loss of smell, an individual may want to get a test for COVID-19.
As of January 2022, if a person tests positive for COVID-19, they should self-isolate at home for 5 days. If their symptoms resolve in those 5 days, they can return to normal activities, but they should wear a mask.
It's important to note that not all people with COVID-19 have symptoms. Many people with asymptomatic COVID test positive for SARS-CoV-2. If a person has been in contact with someone who has the virus, they should get a test.
Sore throat is a symptom that COVID-19 patients should watch for, but cold and flu symptoms are similar. However, having a sore throat together with loss of smell is more likely to be COVID-19 than a regular cold.
A person can take a COVID-19 test to determine a diagnosis. If a person thinks their sore throat may indicate COVID-19, they should take a test.
The ZOE COVID Study, which includes symptom data from more than 4 million people globally, reports that 75% of new cold-like symptoms are COVID-19.
In comparison with other respiratory illnesses, sore throat is commonly reported in infections like Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis and influenza. However, detailed quantitative data on the overall prevalence of sore throat among all COVID-19 patients compared to other symptoms like fatigue, chest symptoms, or neurocognitive issues is limited.
The emergence of a COVID-19 variant with a notably sharp sore throat symptom suggests that COVID-19 may differ symptom-wise from other respiratory viruses where sore throat is usually one of several symptoms but not always dominant. Further epidemiological studies or symptom surveillance reports would be required for precise comparative prevalence percentages.
- Some people with psoriatic disease or eczema might experience an itchy throat, which could potentially be mistaken for a symptom of COVID-19.
- Despite the common misconception, a sore throat doesn't appear to be a definitive symptom of NSCLC, though it may coincide with certain symptoms such as weight loss or persistent coughing.
- Interestingly, some medical-conditions like Crohn's disease might cause an itchy throat, and ignoring such symptoms could lead to complications if not treated promptly.
- A sore throat can also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system, causing various symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, and muscle weakness.
- In some cases, a sore throat may signal the onset of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings.
- In the context of health-and-wellness, it's essential to be aware of Respiratory-conditions like COVID-19, as they can exhibit common cold-like symptoms, such as a sore throat.
- Recent studies suggest a connection between certain types of arthritis and the presence of a sore throat due to inflammation in the body.
- The use of AQ (Air Quality) monitors is crucial in understanding the potential impact of air pollution on respiratory health, as poor air quality can exacerbate sore throat symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
- Science plays a significant role in predicting the prevalence and symptoms of different diseases, such as the prediction that a rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases may be associated with more instances of sore throat symptoms.
