Sore throat is a common symptom of COVID-19, affecting about half of individuals with the illness. Discomfort can range from a mild scratchy sensation to significant pain, often described as redness and swelling. It commonly appears alongside other indicators such as fever, cough, and fatigue, signaling the body’s inflammatory response to the viral infection.
Typical Duration of a COVID-19 Sore Throat
A sore throat associated with COVID-19 often resolves within two to three days. For most individuals, this symptom does not extend beyond five days. While it commonly subsides as the infection clears, some people may experience a sore throat for a longer duration, sometimes even for a few weeks.
The intensity of a COVID-19 sore throat can vary. It often begins early in the infection, potentially worsening during the initial days before gradually improving. While sharing similarities with sore throats from other upper respiratory infections, its accompanying symptoms and overall timeline often distinguish it.
In contrast to the flu, where a sore throat might persist even after other symptoms fade, a COVID-19 sore throat tends to ease as other symptoms like cough and headache become more prominent. For a mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, the overall duration of symptoms, including a sore throat, averages around 10 days.
Factors Influencing Sore Throat Duration
The duration of a COVID-19 sore throat can be influenced by several factors, including the specific COVID-19 variant involved. Variants like Omicron have been associated with a higher prevalence and sometimes greater severity of sore throat due to their tendency to affect the upper airway more significantly.
An individual’s vaccination status also plays a role, as vaccinated people may experience a sore throat less frequently and with milder symptoms. Overall health and immune response contribute to how quickly symptoms resolve; individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions may have a prolonged recovery.
Age can also affect symptom presentation and duration. For instance, younger adults, particularly those under 30, have reported cold-like symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose more commonly.
Managing Sore Throat Discomfort and When to Seek Care
To alleviate sore throat discomfort caused by COVID-19, several home remedies and over-the-counter options can help:
Sucking on cough drops or medicated lozenges.
Gargling with warm salt water.
Drinking warm liquids like tea or broth.
Consuming cold items such as ice chips and popsicles.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce pain for several hours. While these medications help manage symptoms, they do not cure the viral infection. It is also beneficial to ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and getting sufficient rest.
It is advisable to seek medical attention if a sore throat is severe, persists for longer than a week, or worsens significantly. Emergency care is warranted for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, trouble staying awake, or bluish lips or face. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you are at higher risk for severe illness, it is important to get tested quickly to determine if antiviral medications are appropriate.