Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is COVID?
- What is Strep Throat?
- Key Differences Between COVID and Strep Throat
- COVID Symptoms: What to Watch For
- Strep Throat Symptoms: What to Watch For
- Can You Have COVID and Strep at the Same Time?
- Can COVID Turn Into Strep Throat?
- When to Seek Medical Attention
- How AFC Urgent Care Can Help
- Conclusion
What is COVID?
COVID (coronavirus disease 2019) is a viral illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. This highly contagious disease rapidly spread worldwide, impacting communities across the globe. While COVID commonly presents respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, flu, or pneumonia, it doesn’t solely target the lungs—other body systems may also be affected.
The virus has evolved through multiple variants, with symptoms varying depending on the strain. Current variants may present differently than earlier versions of the virus, making testing even more critical for accurate diagnosis. Vaccination and booster shots have proven effective at reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing hospitalization, though breakthrough infections can still occur.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (Streptococcal pharyngitis). This infection specifically targets the throat and tonsils, resulting in severe throat pain and discomfort. Unlike COVID, strep throat is not a symptom of the coronavirus—it’s an entirely separate illness that requires antibiotic treatment.
Strep throat is particularly common during colder months and is highly contagious, especially among children in school environments where germs spread easily through close contact. The bacteria spread primarily through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze, as well as through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Without proper treatment, strep throat can lead to complications, making prompt diagnosis and antibiotic therapy essential.
Key Differences Between COVID and Strep Throat
1. Causative Agents: Viral vs. Bacterial
The fundamental distinction between these two illnesses lies in their causative agents. COVID is a viral infection triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. This difference is crucial because it determines the appropriate treatment approach—antiviral medications or supportive care for COVID versus antibiotics for strep throat.
2. Transmission Methods
Both illnesses are highly contagious, but their transmission patterns have some differences:
COVID transmission:
- Primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
- Can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes
- Asymptomatic individuals can still transmit the virus
- Incubation period typically ranges from 2-14 days.
Strep throat transmission:
- Spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
- Transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals
- Can rarely spread through improperly handled food
- Incubation period is typically 2-5 days after exposure
3. Symptom Profiles and Onset
While both conditions may involve a sore throat, their overall symptom profiles differ significantly:
COVID predominantly presents with respiratory symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting (in some cases)
The onset of COVID symptoms is typically gradual, developing over several days.
Strep throat symptoms are more focused on the throat:
- Severe, sudden-onset sore throat (often described as “swallowing broken glass”)
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Fever (often highest on the second day)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Headache
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting (especially in children)
- Some strains may cause a scarlet fever-like rash
4. Diagnostic Testing
Accurate diagnosis requires specific testing for each condition:
COVID testing:
- PCR tests (most accurate)
- Rapid antigen tests
- Rapid molecular tests
- Results available from 15 minutes to several hours
Strep throat testing:
- Rapid strep test (throat swab)
- Throat culture (if rapid test is negative but symptoms persist)
- Results are typically available in 10-15 minutes for rapid tests
5. Treatment Approaches
The distinct nature of these infections requires different treatment strategies:
COVID treatment:
- Antiviral medications (in some cases, prescribed by a healthcare provider)
- Rest and hydration
- Over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and body aches
- Symptom management (cough suppressants, decongestants)
- Monitoring for worsening symptoms
- Isolation to prevent spread
Strep throat treatment:
- Antibiotics (essential to eliminate the bacterial infection)
- Complete the entire antibiotic course, even if symptoms improve
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Staying hydrated
- Rest
- Replace the toothbrush after starting antibiotics
Critical antibiotic reminder: It’s essential to complete your full prescription of antibiotics for strep throat. Stopping medication early, even if you feel better, can allow bacteria to survive and potentially develop resistance to antibiotics. This can lead to recurring infections that are harder to treat.
COVID Symptoms: What to Watch For
If you have a sore throat accompanied by respiratory symptoms, there’s a strong possibility it could be COVID. Key indicators include:
- Respiratory involvement: Persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort
- Loss of taste or smell: This distinctive symptom, though less common with recent variants, still occurs
- Systemic symptoms: Fever, fatigue, body aches affecting the entire body
- Gradual onset: Symptoms typically develop over several days rather than suddenly
Remember that asymptomatic carriers exist—individuals who test positive for COVID but experience no symptoms can still transmit the virus to others. This is why testing remains important even when symptoms seem mild or absent.
Strep Throat Symptoms: What to Watch For
If you have a sore throat without respiratory symptoms, it is more likely that you have strep throat. Distinctive features include:
- Sudden, severe throat pain: Often described as sharp pain when swallowing
- Absence of respiratory symptoms: No cough, congestion, or shortness of breath
- Visual throat changes: Red, swollen tonsils with white patches or pus
- Tender lymph nodes: Swollen, painful glands in the neck
- Rapid onset: Symptoms appear quickly, often reaching peak severity within 24-48 hours
The characteristic “broken glass” sensation when swallowing is a telltale sign of strep throat that helps distinguish it from viral infections.
Can You Have COVID and Strep at the Same Time?
While uncommon, it is possible to have both COVID and strep throat simultaneously. Your immune system can fight multiple infections at once, though this puts additional stress on your body. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or a combination of respiratory symptoms with intense throat pain, it’s crucial to get tested for both conditions.
Testing for both infections ensures you receive appropriate treatment—antibiotics for the strep throat and supportive care (or antivirals, if prescribed) for COVID. Never attempt to self-diagnose when symptoms are severe or unclear.
Can COVID Turn Into Strep Throat?
No, COVID cannot “turn into” strep throat. These are completely separate infections caused by different pathogens—a virus (SARS-CoV-2) and bacteria (group A Streptococcus), respectively. However, it’s possible to develop a secondary bacterial infection like strep throat after having COVID, as viral infections can sometimes weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to bacterial infections.
If you initially test positive for COVID but later develop severe throat pain without respiratory symptoms, you may have contracted a separate strep throat infection. This scenario requires a new evaluation and strep test to confirm the diagnosis and begin antibiotic treatment if needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical care if you experience:
Severe symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Inability to swallow due to throat pain
- Severe dehydration
- High fever (103°F or higher) lasting more than two days
Concerning symptoms:
- Symptoms that worsen instead of improve
- New symptoms that develop after initial improvement
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Bluish lips or face
For children:
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Refusal to drink fluids
- Persistent high fever
Don’t wait to seek care if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening. Both COVID and strep throat can lead to complications when left untreated.
How AFC Urgent Care Can Help
AFC Urgent Care is equipped to diagnose and treat both COVID and strep throat with comprehensive testing and care:
Our services include:
- Rapid COVID testing: PCR tests, rapid antigen tests, and rapid molecular tests
- Rapid strep testing: Quick throat swab with results in 10-15 minutes
- Same-day treatment: Prescriptions available immediately for positive strep tests
- Expert evaluation: Physical examination by experienced healthcare providers
- Convenient access: Walk-in appointments and scheduled visits available seven days a week
- Comprehensive care: Treatment for symptoms and guidance on recovery
No appointment necessary – simply walk in when symptoms develop, or schedule an appointment online for your convenience. We accept most insurance plans and offer straightforward billing to make healthcare accessible.
Preventive care:
- COVID vaccinations and boosters (check availability by location)
- Flu vaccinations
- Education on preventing the spread of infections
Understanding the differences between COVID and strep throat empowers you to seek appropriate care and take the right steps toward recovery. While both conditions can cause a sore throat, they require different treatments—antivirals or supportive care for COVID, and antibiotics for strep throat. Attempting to self-diagnose or delaying treatment can lead to complications and prolonged illness.
The key takeaways:
- COVID is viral; strep throat is bacterial – different infections require different treatments
- Respiratory symptoms point to COVID – cough, shortness of breath, and loss of smell/taste are distinctive
- Sudden, severe throat pain without respiratory symptoms suggests strep throat – especially with visible throat changes
- Testing is essential – accurate diagnosis ensures proper treatment
- Complete your antibiotics – finishing the full course prevents resistant infections
When in doubt, get tested.
AFC Urgent Care offers comprehensive testing for both conditions, along with expert evaluation and same-day treatment. Our team is here seven days a week to help you feel better faster and protect your community by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Visit AFC Urgent Care today for COVID and strep throat testing and treatment. Walk-ins welcome, or schedule an appointment online.
