A sore throat is a frequent symptom across many common illnesses, including both COVID-19 and strep throat. This overlap can lead to confusion, making it challenging for individuals to determine the underlying cause based on throat discomfort alone. Understanding the nuances of each condition’s presentation is helpful for distinguishing between them.
Shared Symptom Overlap
Both COVID-19 and strep throat can cause a sore throat, ranging from mild irritation to severe pain. Beyond throat symptoms, individuals with either illness may experience a fever. Headaches are also commonly reported in both conditions. General body aches and fatigue are also present. These shared symptoms make self-diagnosis difficult.
Distinctive Indicators
While some symptoms overlap, specific indicators tend to be more characteristic of one condition than the other. COVID-19 often includes respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, congestion, and a runny nose. A notable differentiating factor for COVID-19 is the loss of taste or smell, which is not a symptom of strep throat. Some individuals with COVID-19 may also experience gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Strep throat, caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, has more specific throat signs. Signs may include a bright red throat with white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth may also be present. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are common with strep throat, and a body rash may develop in some cases. Unlike COVID-19, strep throat does not involve a cough or nasal congestion.
Confirmation Through Testing
Due to symptom overlap, accurate diagnosis requires specific testing for each condition. For COVID-19, two main types of viral tests detect current infection. Rapid antigen tests provide results quickly, within 15 to 30 minutes. Molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, are highly sensitive and considered the “gold standard” for COVID-19 diagnosis. These tests involve a nasal or throat swab, processed in a laboratory, with results taking a few days.
For strep throat, healthcare providers use a rapid strep test, which involves a throat swab to detect bacteria. This test provides results within 10 to 20 minutes. If a rapid strep test is negative, a throat culture may be performed to confirm the absence of the bacteria, more accurate but takes 24 to 48 hours for results.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, worsen over time, or include difficulty swallowing. Persistent high fever or any concern about potential exposure to confirmed cases of either COVID-19 or strep throat warrants medical advice. Seeking early diagnosis for strep throat is important to prevent potential complications. A healthcare provider can assess symptoms, conduct appropriate tests, and recommend the correct course of treatment.