How to Tell If Your Sore Throat is COVID-19

What Does a COVID-19 Sore Throat Feel Like?

COVID-19 can lead to various throat-related symptoms that may be indicative of the infection. 

At the onset of the disease, individuals may experience a sore throat, which can be mild to moderate in intensity. This soreness may cause discomfort while swallowing and may be accompanied by a dry or scratchy sensation in the throat. As the infection progresses, some people may also notice a persistent cough, which can exacerbate the throat discomfort and lead to irritation.

During the course of the illness, individuals infected with COVID-19 may go through different stages of symptoms, which can vary in severity and duration. Some people may experience a mild illness with only a few symptoms, while others may develop more severe respiratory symptoms. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell and headache. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea have also been reported in some cases.

Other COVID-19 Symptoms to Look Out For

In addition to a sore throat, COVID-19 may present with a combination of other symptoms that can help distinguish it from common colds or other respiratory infections. These additional symptoms often accompany a sore throat and can aid in identifying COVID-19. Some of the common symptoms associated with a sore throat include:

• Fever
  • may manifest as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Persistent cough
  • may worsen the discomfort of the sore throat and can be dry or produce mucus
• Shortness of breath
  • especially when engaging in everyday activities

Other symptoms that may accompany a sore throat in COVID-19 cases include:

• Fatigue

• Body aches

• Loss of taste or smell

• Headache

• Chills

• Muscle pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea 

COVID-19 vs Other Common Conditions

Common Cold vs COVID-19

Onset and Progression:

• COVID-19: Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, with an average incubation period of 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The illness can progress over several days, and symptoms may worsen over time.
• Common Cold: Symptoms usually appear gradually and typically peak within the first 2-3 days of infection. The illness is generally milder and more short-lived compared to COVID-19.

Severity of Symptoms:

• COVID-19: Can cause severe symptoms, especially in certain high-risk groups, such as older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more commonly associated with COVID-19.
• Common Cold: The common cold usually presents with milder symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, mild cough and occasional sneezing.

Fever:

• COVID-19: Fever is a common symptom and is typically higher, often reaching 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Common Cold: Fever is less common with the common cold and, when present, it tends to be mild or low-grade.

Loss of Taste or Smell:

• COVID-19: An abrupt loss of taste and smell (anosmia) is a distinct and relatively common symptom associated with COVID-19.
• Common Cold: While a mild loss of taste or smell may occur with the common cold, it is not as pronounced or sudden as with COVID-19.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms:

• COVID-19: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported in some cases, particularly in mild or moderate infections.
• Common Cold: Gastrointestinal symptoms are rare in the common cold.

Body Aches and Fatigue:

• COVID-19: Body aches and fatigue are common symptoms of COVID-19 and can be more severe than with the common cold.
• Common Cold: While mild fatigue and body aches can occur with the common cold, they are generally less intense.

Strep Throat vs COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms:

• Fever: COVID-19 often presents with fever, which can be moderate to high-grade (above 100.4°F or 38°C).

• Cough: A persistent cough is a common symptom of COVID-19. It may be dry or produce mucus.

• Shortness of Breath: Some individuals with COVID-19 may experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

• Loss of Taste or Smell: An abrupt loss of taste (ageusia) and smell (anosmia) is a distinct symptom associated with COVID-19.

• Fatigue: COVID-19 can cause profound fatigue and generalized weakness.

• Muscle or Body Aches: Muscle pain and body aches are common symptoms of COVID-19.

• Headache: Many individuals with COVID-19 report experiencing headaches.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported in some COVID-19 cases, though less frequently.

Strep Throat Symptoms:

• Sore Throat: The hallmark symptom of strep throat is a severe and sudden sore throat, which may be accompanied by pain and difficulty swallowing.

• Fever: Strep throat can cause fever, typically higher than with a common cold but usually not as high as in COVID-19.

• Red and Swollen Tonsils: Strep throat can cause red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes in the neck may become tender and swollen in strep throat.

• Absence of Respiratory Symptoms: Strep throat does not usually cause respiratory symptoms like cough or shortness of breath.

• No Loss of Taste or Smell: Strep throat does not cause sudden loss of taste or smell.

If a sore throat is the primary symptom and it is accompanied by fever, swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, strep throat may be more likely. On the other hand, if a sore throat is accompanied by respiratory symptoms, loss of taste or smell, body aches and fatigue, COVID-19 could be a possibility.

Mono vs COVID-19

COVID-19 Symptoms:

• Fever: COVID-19 often presents with fever, which can range from mild to high-grade (above 100.4°F or 38°C).

• Cough: A persistent cough is a common symptom. It may be dry or produce mucus.

• Shortness of Breath: Some individuals may experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

• Loss of Taste or Smell: An abrupt loss of taste (ageusia) and smell (anosmia) is a distinct symptom associated with COVID-19.

• Fatigue: COVID-19 can cause profound fatigue and generalized weakness.

• Muscle or Body Aches: Muscle pain and body aches are common symptoms.

• Headache: Many individuals with COVID-19 report experiencing headaches.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported in some COVID-19 cases, though less frequently.

Mono Symptoms:

• Sore Throat: A severe and persistent sore throat is a hallmark symptom of mono. The throat may be very red and painful, making swallowing difficult.

• Fever: Mono can cause fever, which may be moderate to high-grade (above 100.4°F or 38°C).

• Fatigue: Profound fatigue and weakness are typical symptoms of mono, often lasting for weeks.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Mono can cause significant swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin.

• Enlarged Spleen: In some cases of mono, the spleen may become enlarged, leading to tenderness in the left upper abdomen.

• Rash: A rash may develop in some cases of mono, typically appearing as small red spots.

If a sore throat is the primary symptom, and it is accompanied by severe fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and possibly an enlarged spleen, mono may be more likely. On the other hand, if a sore throat is accompanied by respiratory symptoms, loss of taste or smell, body aches and fever, COVID-19 could be a possibility.

How Long Does a COVID-19-Caused Sore Throat Last?

• Day 1-3: The sore throat may begin with mild irritation or a scratchy sensation.

• Day 4-7: The sore throat may worsen, becoming more painful, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue and body aches.

• Day 8-14: In most cases, the sore throat should start to improve around this time, along with other symptoms. However, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms beyond this period.

When to See a Doctor

• Severe Symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, bluish lips or face, or any other symptom that feels life-threatening, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• High Fever: If you have a fever that is persistent and high-grade (above 100.4°F or 38°C), especially if it doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications.

• Prolonged Symptoms: If your symptoms, including a sore throat or any other COVID-19 symptom, persist for an extended period or worsen over time, it is essential to seek medical advice.

• Underlying Health Conditions: If you have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions or immunosuppression.

• Exposure or Travel History: If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have recently traveled to an area with high transmission rates, and you develop symptoms.

• Concerns or Questions: If you have any concerns or questions about your symptoms, potential exposure to COVID-19, or how to manage your health during the pandemic, reach out to your health care provider for advice and support.

Remember, seeking medical advice and testing when needed not only protects your health but also helps to prevent the spread of infections to others in your community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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