Difference between sore throat from Covid XEC strain, strep throat and other illnesses

An expert has spoken about the difference between a sore throat caused by Covid, strep throat and other infections. It comes as coronavirus cases rise across the UK.

During this time of year, falling ill with some form of seasonal sickness is common, as cold conditions and closer indoor interactions heighten our susceptibility to viruses.

With an array of illnesses in circulation, pinning down the exact issue can be challenging. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that cases of COVID-19 are still relatively high, with 1,081 confirmed cases in the week leading to December 4, alongside 122 Covid-linked deaths in the week up to November 22.

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Additionally, hospital admissions due to Covid have seen an increase, with 1,085 recorded in the week to November 30, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous week. An earlier rise in Covid cases was attributed to the newly-emerged XEC variant, originally identified in Germany and presumed highly infectious owing to several mutations.

Amid these concerns, the NHS has also alerted to the potential of a "quademic" hitting the UK, with flu, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid anticipated to impact a broader population this winter.

An expert has offered insight on how to distinguish between the cause of a sore throat, including key symptoms to watch out for. Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, shared his knowledge, reports the Mirror.

Regarding Covid, Phil noted: "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 those suspecting they have Covid, the NHS recommends staying at home and avoiding contact with others until you feel better.

When it comes to Strep throat, a bacterial infection, Phil explained: "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."