Does COVID-19 Cause a Sore Throat or Is It Strep?

October 1, 2023

The dreaded sore throat can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of illness. While sometimes a simple drink of water can help ease the pain, other times it’s only the beginning of a frustrating infection that lingers for days.

Unfortunately, a sore throat is a common symptom across many different illnesses, so it can be hard to diagnose yourself at home.

Our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team is here to help! We can help you determine if you have COVID-19, strep throat, the flu or a simple cold.

Are COVID-19, Strep Throat and the Flu the Same Infection?

Infections come in multiple different forms, and they can affect different parts of your body. Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, while COVID-19 and the flu are both viral infections caused by different viruses. Transmission remains the same across the different infections, however. Touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth or by breathing in respiratory droplets from an infected person can easily cause you to get sick.

Our bodies will typically launch an immune response once you start to get sick, and a fever, body aches, a headache and a sore throat are all possibilities when it comes to these three infections. That’s why we recommend coming to see us right away for a rapid test. We can help determine what is making you sick in just a few minutes.

Different Rapid Tests Available at AFC

COVID-19
Influenza
Strep throat

Can You Treat COVID-19, the Flu and Strep Throat the Same Way?

While all three are infections, treating them each requires a different approach. Bacterial infections can reliably be treated with antibiotics, so coming to see us for a rapid test and treatment is key if you suspect strep throat.

COVID-19 and the flu are viral infections and just have to run their course, but knowing what illness you have can help slow the spread and reduce caseloads in our area. There are also some antiviral drug treatments that you can take to help reduce your symptoms and manage your infection. Stop by for a rapid test and some treatment recommendations whenever you start to feel sick.