Sore throat could be dangerous Covid XEC strain, strep throat or something else - how to tell

An expert has highlighted the differences between a Covid sore throat, strep throat, and other infections amid high coronavirus rates in the UK. During this time of year, seasonal illnesses are common, with cold weather and indoor gatherings making us more susceptible to viruses.

With numerous ailments circulating, it can be tricky to pinpoint exactly what is afflicting someone. UK Health Security Agency data reveals that Covid-19 cases remain relatively high, with 1,081 confirmed instances for the week ending December 4.

There have been 122 deaths associated with Covid in the seven days up to November 22. Additionally, hospitalisations due to Covid climbed to 1,085 in the week ending November 30, marking a 1.5 per cent increase from the previous week.

Health experts had correlated the surge in cases with the emergence of the XEC variant, first identified in Germany and noted for its high transmissibility stemming from several mutations.

The NHS has also raised alarms over the likelihood of a "quademic" hitting the UK, with flu, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid together potentially impacting many people this winter, reports the Mirror.

An expert has revealed key signs to look out for when diagnosing the cause of a sore throat, including symptoms that could indicate the XEC variant of Covid. Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, shared insights on the matter.

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Covid

Phil 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."

He advised that if you suspect you have Covid, the NHS recommends staying at home and avoiding contact with others until you recover.

Strep throat

Regarding strep throat, a bacterial infection, Phil added: "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

Tonsillitis can be either viral or bacterial, 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

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."

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