Is your first thought when you have a sore throat that you might have COVID? Don’t panic! A sore throat is a common symptom of many ailments, and not only COVID-19.
Strep throat is a common illness which shares the sore throat symptom with COVID. However, sore throats with strep are usually accompanied by painful swallowing.
The two main symptoms these illnesses share are sore throat and fever, but there are many other distinguishing symptoms. What are the differences between strep throat and COVID?
Strep Throat Symptoms
Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus or group A strep, according to the CDC. The predominant characteristics of strep are a sore throat accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in your neck, swollen tonsils, and red spots on the roof of your mouth.
Typically if you have a sore throat, but also a cough, runny nose, changes in your voice, or pink eye, you do not have strep. Common strep throat symptoms include:
- A quick onset of a sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes on the front of your neck
Less common strep throat symptoms include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms are much more common in children, according to the CDC. These less common symptoms, excluding stomach pain, are also symptoms of COVID. However, COVID does not typically cause the tonsils to become swollen and red nor cause tiny, red spots to develop on the roof of your mouth.
Although more common in children, strep affects all ages. It is important to get tested and receive treatment if you suspect strep throat due to the potential of developing rheumatic fever or scarlet fever.
COVID Symptoms
COVID is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common symptoms of COVID include:
- Fever or chills
- Dry cough and shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- A loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID symptoms vary by person, so you may not experience all of the aforementioned symptoms. If you are experiencing cough, body aches, fatigue, and a runny nose, but have a sore throat and a fever, it may be the case that you do not have strep throat. Keep in mind that COVID and the flu have very similar symptoms, so it’s best to get tested to find out which illness you may have.
Curbside Rapid Strep Test and Rapid COVID Testing
Rapid Testing LLC in Colorado offers curbside rapid strep and COVID testing without a doctor’s visit. This means you can get tested to see if your symptoms are, in fact, strep throat or COVID.
If your test comes back positive for strep, it is very important to seek medical care. If left untreated, strep throat can develop into rheumatic fever or scarlet fever. The rapid strep test is an antigen test. Rapid Testing LLC offers antigen and molecular COVID tests.
When to Seek Treatment
Another difference between strep and COVID is that strep must be treated. People with a mild case of COVID are able to recover at home, according to the CDC. However, even if your test is negative and you feel unwell, consider a visit with a provider to assess symptoms and start feeling better.
If left untreated, step throat can develop into rheumatic fever or scarlet fever. According to the CDC, rheumatic fever is a disease that can affect the brain, heart, skin, and joints. Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that causes a bright red rash that covers most of the body. Scarlet fever, if left untreated, can also progress to rheumatic fever.
Unlike strep, COVID does not always require a visit with a provider for treatment. However if you have trouble breathing, have persistent chest pain or pressure, inability to stay awake, new confusion, or have pale gray or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, to seek treatment immediately, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Still Not Sure? Get Tested!
Rapid Testing LLC offers curbside COVID and strep testing 7 days a week. You have the option of getting tested at any of Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine’s clinic across the Denver metro area. Click here for locations and to schedule testing today!