An itchy throat is a common sensation, often described as a tickle or scratchiness that prompts a desire to cough or clear the throat. This minor irritation can arise from various environmental factors, such as inhaling irritants like air pollution or chemical fumes.
Itchy Throat as a COVID-19 Symptom
An itchy throat can indeed be a symptom experienced by individuals with COVID-19. While its exact prevalence is not precisely known, this symptom is sometimes grouped with other throat-related discomforts, such as a sore or dry throat. A sore throat, in particular, has become a more frequently reported symptom with the emergence of newer COVID-19 variants, affecting about 70.5% of people with the Omicron variant compared to 60.8% with the Delta variant in a 2022 study. Like other respiratory infections, a COVID-19 related sore throat often appears early in the illness and usually resolves within approximately five days.
Other Common COVID-19 Indicators
Beyond an itchy throat, COVID-19 presents with a broad spectrum of indicators that can vary significantly among individuals and with different viral variants. Common symptoms include fever or chills, a new or continuous cough, and fatigue. Many people also experience muscle or body aches, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. A notable symptom that emerged with earlier variants was the new loss of taste or smell, though this has become less common with newer strains. Some individuals may also report digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Differentiating Itchy Throat Causes
Distinguishing an itchy throat caused by COVID-19 from other conditions requires considering accompanying symptoms. For instance, seasonal allergies commonly cause an itchy throat, often alongside itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose, but typically without a fever. The symptoms of allergies tend to develop gradually over weeks and can persist for an entire season. In contrast, a common cold often presents with a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat, but usually with a more gradual onset than the flu and without the severe body aches or high fever often seen with influenza.
Strep throat, a bacterial infection, is generally characterized by severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and sometimes white patches on the tonsils, but typically does not involve a cough. COVID-19 symptoms, when they appear, often come on more quickly, over a few days. While both COVID-19 and the common cold can cause a runny nose and cough, a significant difference is that COVID-19 can lead to shortness of breath or trouble breathing, which is uncommon with allergies or colds.
When to Seek Testing or Medical Attention
If you experience symptoms that suggest COVID-19, including an itchy throat along with other indicators, get tested immediately. If your initial test result is negative but you have symptoms, test again after 48 hours, as viral levels might be too low to detect early in the infection. If you have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, wait at least five full days after exposure before testing for accuracy. Consider testing before visiting individuals who are at high risk for severe illness.
If symptoms worsen or you develop trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or an inability to wake or stay awake, seek immediate medical attention. If you test positive, follow public health guidelines, which typically include isolating to prevent further spread, and contact a healthcare provider for treatment options.