Expert says how to tell if sore throat could be Covid XEC strain or something else

An expert has shed light on how to distinguish a sore throat caused by Covid from one caused by strep throat or other infections, as coronavirus rates continue to be significant in the UK. The cold season typically brings a spike in seasonal illnesses, with people spending more time indoors and in close contact with others, heightening the risk of virus transmission.

With various illnesses circulating, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that Covid-19 cases are still relatively high, with 1,081 confirmed cases in the week leading up to December 4.

Additionally, there were 122 Covid-related deaths in the week up to November 22. Hospital admissions due to Covid also saw an increase, with 1,085 admissions in the week ending November 30, marking a 1.5 percent rise from the previous week.

Health experts have associated the recent surge in Covid cases with the emergence of the XEC variant, first identified in Germany and believed to be highly transmissible due to its mutations. Moreover, the NHS has recently raised concerns about the possibility of a "quademic" hitting the UK this winter, with flu, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid all expected to impact a large portion of the population.

An expert has highlighted important clues on how to determine the cause of your sore throat, including other symptoms that should raise concerns. Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, delves into the subject, reports the Mirror.

On Covid, Phil Day explained: "The XEC variant of COVID-19 has added another layer of complexity to the sore throat diagnosis."

"In many cases, a sore throat is one of the initial symptoms, often accompanied by a dry cough, fatigue, fever, and sometimes a loss of taste or smell. While most mild cases can be managed with rest and over-the-counter remedies, it's crucial to assess whether COVID-19 could be the cause of your symptoms."

For strep throat, the symptoms are more intense, as Phil describes: "These include a sudden onset of sharp throat pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, and white streaks or spots on the tonsils."

He cautioned that it could also lead to a high fever, general fatigue and potentially tonsillitis. "It's important to recognise that unlike a viral sore throat, strep throat requires antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever," he said.

"This means a GP consultation is necessary for proper diagnosis and prescription, as antibiotics cannot be issued without a confirmed bacterial cause."

Tonsillitis can be either viral or bacterial, and it's often characterised by red, swollen tonsils, a fever, and pain when swallowing. "It may also cause bad breath, swollen lymph nodes, and even ear pain," Phil added.

"Viral tonsillitis is generally managed with supportive care, much like treating a sore throat-rest, hydration, and over-the-counter treatments. However, bacterial tonsillitis, particularly when caused by strep bacteria, requires antibiotic treatment."

Laryngitis affects the voice box and can lead to hoarseness, a sore throat, or even a complete loss of voice. Phil continued: "This condition is commonly triggered by viral infections, overuse of the voice, or exposure to irritants like smoke."

"While laryngitis typically clears up on its own within a week or two, the discomfort can be bothersome. Pharmacists can offer advice on how to soothe the throat during recovery, such as staying hydrated, using throat lozenges, and resting the voice. Avoiding irritants like smoking and maintaining a humid environment can also help speed up recovery."