2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report | Antimicrobial Resistance
Does COVID-19 Cause A Sore Throat?
A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID-19, but it's generally not one of the most common. Other symptoms include a cough, fever, chills, headache, loss of smell or taste, and muscle pain. Inflammation caused by COVID, as well as coughing and post-nasal drip, may irritate the throat.
A sore throat has many possible causes, and treatment depends on the probable cause. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have COVID.
A sore throat due to COVID might feel: Dry Painful when you swallow Scratchy or itchy Other cold or respiratory infection symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness (raspy voice) suggest a viral infection—as opposed to strep throat, for example. The only way to truly know if your sore throat is due to COVID is to test for the virus. A sore throat results from inflammation, which is caused by COVID. Other COVID symptoms like coughing and phlegm in the throat (post-nasal drip) can also irritate the throat. A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID, but it's not present in all cases. Other, more common COVID symptoms include: Cough Dyspnea (shortness of breath) Fatigue Fever and chills Sore throat A sore throat might be more common in the Omicron variant than in the Delta variant. One longitudinal study of over 63,000 people found a sore throat in 70% of Omicron cases versus 60% of Delta cases. A sore throat might be much less prevalent than that. One systematic review of over 114,000 people found a sore throat in only about 14% of COVID cases. A sore throat will last as long as other COVID symptoms—up to about two weeks. Some evidence suggests that a sore throat might last about six days, but this will vary from person to person. Coughing can irritate the throat, so having a persistent cough might prolong a sore throat. A sore throat is not commonly a symptom of long COVID, or symptoms that last for four weeks or longer. Having a sore throat might increase the risk of developing long COVID. A sore throat can be a sign of COVID, but it does not mean you have the virus. Sore throat is a very common and non-specific symptom, meaning it's self-reported and does not indicate a specific disease. It will feel relatively the same whether you have a cold, the flu, COVID, or even strep throat. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can cause a sore throat include: Gonorrhea or chlamydia: Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Herpes simplex virus: A viral infection that can cause oral sores Mononucleosis (mono): A viral infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Respiratory viruses: Rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold), adenovirus, and the influenza virus Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat): A bacterial infection caused by bacteria group A Streptococcus Tonsillitis: A viral infection that causes inflamed and swollen tonsils Other possible causes of a sore throat include: Allergies Dry, hot air Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into your esophagus Inhaling smoke or other irritants (e.G., smog) Stress Tumor It can be difficult to determine whether a sore throat is COVID-related based solely on the symptom alone. Here's how to tell the difference between COVID and other respiratory illnesses: Allergies: Allergies typically cause itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. COVID, in contrast, may cause a fever, body aches, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are not common with allergies. Common cold: COVID may cause a fever, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath, which are not common with a cold. Flu: Flu symptoms typically develop quicker than COVID symptoms. The flu can present within one to four days of infection, while COVID may develop within two to 14 days. Strep throat: Strep throat may cause a high fever, whereas COVID causes a cough and runny nose. A sore throat often resolves on its own unless the infection is severe. Home remedies that may ease discomfort include: Drinking warm tea or lemon water with honey Gargling with warm salt water—about 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) salt in 1 cup of water—several times daily Trying throat lozenges Using a humidifier or breathing in steam from a hot shower You may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat COVID. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and (ibuprofen) are likely effective and generally safe for adults and children over the age of 2. SARS-CoV-2, or the virus that causes COVID, is a respiratory virus. The mechanisms of upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTI) work the same as other respiratory virus symptoms. OTC medications that work for a sore throat caused by a URTI will likely work for one caused by COVID. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you think you might have strep throat, which usually requires antibiotics to treat. Symptoms include: Fever Sudden, very sore throat (especially when swallowing) Red and swollen tonsils with possible white patches Small red spots on the roof of your mouth Other symptoms that warrant reaching out to a healthcare provider include: Dehydration Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Excessive drooling (in young children) Rash A sore throat can be a sign of COVID, but it's a relatively rare symptom compared to others, like a cough and fever. A sore throat is a non-specific symptom, meaning there are many possible causes. The only way to know whether it's due to COVID is to test for the virus. A sore throat generally resolves on its own, but a more severe infection might require treatment. You can use home remedies like gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids, using a humidifier, and taking OTC pain relievers as needed to relieve pain. The information in this story is accurate as of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.Thanks for your feedback!
What Causes A Sore Throat?
A wide array of conditions can cause your throat to randomly start hurting, from infections to allergies to acid reflux and, rarely, tumors. Pain is just one symptom of what's typically known as a sore throat (pharyngitis). Other symptoms include having a dry or scratchy feeling in your throat or trouble swallowing.
Chances are your sore throat will fade in a few days without any real prodding. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can help in some cases. A healthcare provider may advise other treatments, such as antibiotics, depending on the cause.
Viruses are one of the most common causes of sore throats. A sore throat is often a symptom of a cold or the flu. Viruses that cause mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, croup, and other illnesses can also produce sore throats. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can also produce a sore throat. A sore throat can sometimes appear as an early sign of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many people with HIV have flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks of infection. Try some of the following remedies to treat a sore throat caused by a virus: Gargle with warm salt water. Stay hydrated. Try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). Use a humidifier or steamer to ease respiratory symptoms. Most viral infections tend to go away in about a week, except for mononucleosis, which can last weeks or months. Protect yourself from viral infections by washing your hands well and often. Don't get too close to people who are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes. It's less common, but bacterial infections can also cause a sore throat. You may develop a sore throat if you contract a bacteria through direct exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person (coughing, sneezing), by kissing, or from intimate contact. A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. It's caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. You may develop a sore throat with a sinus infection as a result of post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip happens when excess mucus builds up and trickles down the back of your throat. Other sinus infection symptoms can include: Bad breath Cough that worsens at night Fatigue or general ill feeling Fever Headache Loss of smell Pressure or pain behind your eyes Runny or stuffy nose Toothache A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics for a sinus infection caused by bacteria. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal sprays can also help relieve symptoms. About 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Allergies happen when your body has an outsize reaction to specific foreign invaders like: Dust Mold Pet dander Pollen These invaders set off a cascade of symptoms, including a sore throat. Other symptoms include sneezing and a stuffy nose. Sore throats from allergies can be made worse by post-nasal drip. Some people may confuse allergy-related sore throats with viral and bacterial sore throats. Allergies tend to cause symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes rather than a fever. Many allergy-related sore throats also only appear during certain seasons, like spring, summer, or fall. A sore throat can be a symptom of acid reflux, especially if it's chronic, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid comes up in the esophagus. Symptoms, which can get worse after a big meal, also include: Chest pain Cough Heartburn Hoarseness Nausea There are medications to treat GERD. You can also tame the condition by managing your weight and eating dinner two to three hours before bed. Irritants differ from allergies but also cause reactions to certain outside elements, like air pollution or cleaning products. Exposure to certain irritants can make your throat sore, so it's best to try to avoid them if you can. Laryngitis is inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. Allergies, bacteria or viruses, and GERD can cause laryngitis. You may develop a sore throat, as well as a fever, hoarse voice, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Antibiotics can treat laryngitis that's caused by a bacterial infection. It's important to rest your voice to decrease inflammation. Using a humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which also eases a sore throat. Strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, is a common culprit of sore throats, especially in children. Other symptoms may include: Chills Fever Red spots or white patches on the tonsils A throat culture will tell you whether you have the infection. It's essential to treat strep throat if you have it. Late complications include damage to the kidneys and heart valves. Antibiotics, like penicillin and amoxicillin, usually clear strep throat. Tonsillitis is inflamed and swollen tonsils. A viral or, more commonly, bacterial infection usually causes tonsillitis. The tonsils are two growths at the back of the throat that form the frontline of the body's immune system. They keep germs from entering the body. Tonsillitis may cause a sore throat, as well as symptoms like: Chills Ear pain Fever Headache Pain when you swallow Red, swollen tonsils Tender jaw or throat White or yellow patches on the tonsils Tonsils can become large enough to obstruct the nasal passages in severe cases. You may experience breathing, swallowing, and sleep difficulties if that happens. Throat cancer doesn't need to be at the top of your list of things to worry about when you have a sore throat, but it can happen. A tumor typically manifests with other symptoms, such as: Throat pain from a tumor also tends to linger. It's important to see a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these red flags. Sore throat has several potential causes. Some of these may be more common among people with certain genetic factors. Repeated bouts of strep throat and tonsillitis, for example, may run in families. The same is true for allergies and GERD. Viral infections, which are the most common cause of sore throat, are generally more common in children. Even adults have an average of two or three colds per year. You can't wholly keep viruses, allergies, or other causes of sore throats at bay. You can still help prevent sore throats by trying some of the following: Avoiding close contact with people who are sick Avoiding smoke exposure Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Practicing proper handwashing Anyone can get a sore throat. It's most common in the colder months when viral infections like the cold and flu spread more easily. Certain risk factors, such as environmental pollutants, smoking, and a weak immune system, can also increase your likelihood. Dry Air Humidity and temperature can both affect the mucous membranes that line your throat. Dry air, for example, can cause discomfort. Summer air conditioning can have a similarly painful effect on your throat. This discomfort tends to be worse first thing in the morning. "A lot of time in the winter months, you have the heater going, so you're breathing dry air all night. Use a humidifier in your room at night when you're sleeping," Kathleen Tibbetts, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told Health. You can also heat a pot of water and inhale the soothing steam. Environmental Pollutants Industrial emissions and smoke can cause inflammation and irritation of the tissues that line the throat, causing a sore throat. Environmental pollutants can also weaken the immune system. Decreased immunity can make it easier to contract viral infections that cause a sore throat. Muscle Strain Some evidence suggests that aerobics instructors and teachers have more frequent sore throats. Yelling and screaming can hurt your throat, but so can talking. Recent Intubation or Surgery Intubation is a procedure in which a healthcare provider inserts a tube into the throat to help you breathe. This procedure, as well as surgeries that affect the throat area, can cause discomfort. You may also experience a dry throat, coughing, and muscle strain after surgery. Smoking Smoking releases chemicals that cause inflammation and irritation of the tissue that lines the throat. It can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections that cause a sore throat. Smoking is also a risk factor for GERD, which is a common cause of a sore throat. Weak Immune System A weak immune system makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the body and harder for the body to fight them off. These germs are responsible for several infections that cause a sore throat. A viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, causes most sore throats. You might have a sore throat for several other reasons, such as allergies, acid reflux, strep throat, or, rarely, throat cancer. Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve within a few days or worsen. Less common causes of a sore throat, such as throat cancer, require treatment.Thanks for your feedback!
Remedies For Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection that attacks your throat and tonsils. Strep refers to "group A streptococcus." It's named after the bacteria that causes the disease.
This condition is most common in children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 15, but strep can affect anyone. It spreads when you share fluids with someone who has it, like by drinking from the same glass or sharing utensils. Adults who work with kids or have children are more likely to contract it. If you're not sure if you have strep throat, visit your doctor for a throat culture test. That's the only way to know for sure.
Strep comes on fast. You may go to bed feeling fine and wake up sick. Strep throat symptoms include:
Strep is an infection that attacks your throat and tonsils. This condition is most common in children and teenagers ages 5 to 15, but strep can affect anyone. It spreads when you share fluids with someone who has it, like by drinking from the same glass. The only way to confirm you have it is to have a throat culture test done by your doctor. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
Once you're diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to destroy the bacteria that caused the infection. That usually takes 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, these home remedies for strep throat can alleviate your symptoms:
Rest and sleep
When you're sick, your body needs rest and sleep to fight the infection. Stay home from work, or if your child is sick, keep them home from school. Strep is easily spread and remains contagious until you've taken an antibiotic for 24 hours and no longer have a fever.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water and clear fluids to keep your body hydrated. Keep the throat moist to alleviate pain when swallowing.
Eat soft and soothing food
Soup, applesauce, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or a smoothie are good options. The list is endless, as long as the food is soft and easy to swallow. Cold foods like ice cream or frozen pops help soothe your sore throat. Stay away from spicy foods or acidic fruits like oranges.
Use a humidifier
Breathing moist air can relieve discomfort. Cool-mist humidifiers are best, but be sure to clean them daily to prevent mold and bacteria from building up. A nasal saline spray helps too.
Gargle with salt water
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water. Take a sip, lift your head back, and gargle the mixture in your throat to relieve pain. Remind your kids to spit out the water instead of swallowing it.
Avoid irritants
Cigarettes, heavy perfumes, and cleaning products can further aggravate your throat and could even make the infection worse. Make sure the air in your home or bedroom is clean.
Prescription medications
Strep throat is treated with a course of antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin. If you're allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics will treat strep.
Antibiotics will help decrease your symptoms and the amount of time you're sick. Medication wipes out the bad bacteria that caused the infection so you don't spread it to others and prevents certain complications, like rheumatic fever.
Certain natural remedies can help you feel better when you have strep throat. Although there isn't enough evidence that these remedies work, they can be worth trying along with your prescribed medicines.
Apple cider vinegar for sore throat
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting apples, sugar, and yeast. Many people turn to it to manage many infections, including strep throat. Although some research shows it has antibacterial properties, there isn't much evidence showing it works well and is safe.
Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can wear away your tooth's enamel and burn your throat. If you're drinking it, have just a tablespoon of it in a mug of warm water. Apple cider vinegar may also reduce potassium levels, interact with medicines like insulin and water pills, and cause stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you're considering taking apple cider vinegar regularly.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, immune-promoting, and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for managing sore throat. You can eat ginger as it is, crush it into tea, take the powdered form as a supplement or in juice, or take the candy form for your sore throat.
Ginger is generally safe, but if you take too much, over 6 grams, you can have stomach problems like heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and allergic reactions. It can also affect how other medicines work for you. Speak with a doctor before making ginger a big part of your diet or using it as medicine.
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This mixture can help relieve a sore throat and some studies show it may work as quickly as within 10 minutes. You can have marshmallow root in your tea or take it in capsule and liquid forms. You can have a few cups of marshmallow tea, 30 to 40 drops of the liquid form in water, or a capsule containing 6 grams of the powdered root daily.
Marshmallow root is safe to take. But it can affect your stomach lining and how your body takes in other drugs or herbs. It can also dangerously lower your blood sugar levels if you take it with diabetes medicines. Talk to your doctor before taking marshmallow root as a remedy for any condition.
Essential oils
Essential oils are natural oils taken from different parts of plants, such as leaves, seeds, bark, berries, flowers, roots, or fruits. People have long used essential oils like frankincense, myrtle, lemon, oregano, sage, thyme, and lavender to help with infections and other health problems. Research has shown that these oils can slow down the growth of bacteria and even kill some, including streptococcus.
Although the FDA generally recognizes many essential oils as safe, they can be poisonous if you drink them in large amounts or add them to your food. It's best to use essential oils by inhaling or applying diluted forms on your skin. To use essential oils for strep throat, mix up to six drops with a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam. You can add a few drops of essential oil to your bath, but mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or avocado oil.
Essential oils can sometimes cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or discoloration. If you're pregnant or think you might be, if you have asthma or other health conditions, or if you take prescription medications, talk to your doctor before using essential oils.
Honey
Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce irritation, relieve pain, and soothe strep throat. Many experts recommend it as a remedy for relieving sore throats, and it is safe for anyone over 1 year old.
You can take a teaspoon of honey or add it to warm water or tea for sore throat. Honey has sugar, though. Don't take too much in one day, especially if you're trying to limit your sugar intake.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is another natural and safe remedy for managing strep throat. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is moisturizing, helping keep your throat moist and soothing your strep symptoms.
For sore throat relief, take a teaspoon of coconut oil or add it to warm water or tea.
If your child develops a fever and a sore throat, it might be strep. Until you know for sure, follow these steps to avoid spreading the infection:
Do not give your child natural remedies or over-the-counter medicines for strep throat if they are an infant or under the age of 2. Take them to a doctor instead who can recommend the best treatment for them.
For children older than 3, an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can manage symptoms and reduce your child's fever. Use medication designed specifically for children and check the bottle or use a pediatrician's recommendation to determine the correct dosage. Do not give your child aspirin, as it can cause a deadly illness called Reye's syndrome.
If you suspect strep throat, call a doctor immediately if you're having any of the following symptoms:
Your doctor will perform one or two tests to diagnose strep. The first is called a rapid antigen test, and it can detect strep bacteria within minutes. If that test is negative, he or she might perform a throat culture. This involves swabbing the throat, then sending it out to a lab to detect bacteria.
Strep is contagious until you've been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. This means you should stay home from work, school, and day care.
Strep can be dangerous if left untreated, so call your doctor right away. If strep bacteria spreads to other areas of the body, it can cause complications, including:
Strep throat is a sore throat that needs to be treated with antibiotics. If you have a sore throat and don't know which type, a doctor can do a rapid antigen test and throat culture test and recommend the right antibiotics if it is strep. Drink water, rest, use a cool-mist humidifier, and take your medicines as recommended.
What is the fastest way to cure strep throat?
The fastest way to cure strep throat is by taking antibiotics.
Can you get rid of strep without antibiotics?
You can't get rid of strep without antibiotics.
What should I drink for strep throat?
You can drink water, honey, coconut oil, or a ginger drink for strep throat
What kills strep?
Antibiotics kill strep.
What are some of the holistic remedies for strep throat?
Remedies for strep throat include honey, ginger, essential oils, and coconut oil.
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