It is possible to have both strep throat and COVID-19 at the same time. These two distinct infections, one bacterial and one viral, can occur simultaneously, complicating diagnosis and impacting the course of illness. Understanding each condition and how they interact is important for proper management.
Understanding Strep Throat and COVID-19
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). This infection spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is more common in children aged 5 to 15 years, but adults can also contract it.
COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It primarily affects the respiratory system but can impact various organs. The virus spreads when an infected person exhales droplets and tiny particles, which can then be inhaled by others or land on their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Identifying Overlapping and Distinct Symptoms
Both strep throat and COVID-19 can present with similar general symptoms, making self-diagnosis difficult. Shared symptoms often include a sore throat, fever, headache, and body aches. Nausea or vomiting can also occur with both conditions, particularly in children.
Despite these overlaps, each illness has more characteristic symptoms. Strep throat is often marked by a sudden, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, and red, swollen tonsils that may have white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae) and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck are also common indicators. In contrast, COVID-19 is more frequently associated with a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or a runny nose, and a new loss of taste or smell. A sore throat with COVID-19 tends to be milder and usually resolves within two to five days.
The Possibility of Co-infection
It is possible to be infected with both the bacteria that causes strep throat and the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the same time. While co-infection may not be common, cases have been reported, demonstrating that the body can fight both a bacterial and a viral infection simultaneously. This dual infection can complicate diagnosis, as overlapping symptoms make it challenging to identify both illnesses.
Having both infections might lead to a more complex or severe illness. The immune system responds to two different pathogens, potentially straining an individual’s health. Recognizing this possibility is important for medical assessment and treatment planning.
Getting Tested for Both
Professional medical diagnosis is important for both strep throat and COVID-19 due to symptom overlap. For strep throat, healthcare providers typically perform a rapid strep test, which involves swabbing the back of the throat to quickly detect Group A Streptococcus antigens, with results available in minutes. If the rapid test is negative but strep throat is still suspected, especially in children, a throat culture may be done, where the swab is sent to a lab to grow and identify bacteria, with results taking 24 to 48 hours.
For COVID-19, two main types of viral tests are used to detect a current infection: molecular tests, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, and antigen tests. PCR tests are highly accurate and detect the virus’s genetic material, often requiring a nasal or throat swab collected by a healthcare professional and processed in a lab, with results potentially taking up to three days. Antigen tests, also known as rapid or at-home tests, detect viral proteins and provide quicker results, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, but are generally less sensitive than PCR tests, especially if symptoms are absent. If an antigen test is negative, repeating it after 48 hours is often recommended to reduce the risk of a false negative.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for strep throat typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, to eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent complications like rheumatic fever. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve within a day or two, to ensure the bacteria are fully eradicated and to prevent recurrence or spread. Individuals usually start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours of beginning antibiotic treatment, with full recovery generally occurring within three to seven days.
For COVID-19, treatment approaches vary based on severity. Most people with mild illness can manage symptoms at home with supportive care, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain. For individuals at higher risk of severe illness, antiviral medications like nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir may be prescribed to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. These antiviral treatments are most effective when started early, ideally within five to seven days of symptom onset. If a co-infection of strep throat and COVID-19 is diagnosed, healthcare providers will develop a treatment plan that addresses both infections concurrently.