SummaryA sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary.
Is a Sore Throat a Typical Symptom of COVID-19?
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COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. A sore throat is only one of the symptoms that may develop.
A sore throat is one of the many potential symptoms of COVID-19, which is the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
However, a sore throat is only one of the symptoms that may develop due to COVID-19. Some other symptoms are much more common.
In this article we’ll explore a sore throat as a symptom of COVID-19, other symptoms to watch out for, and when to seek medical care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the symptoms that develop with COVID-19 can vary from one person to another.
A sore throat can be one symptom of COVID-19.
A survey study published in February 2021 notes that, compared with other symptoms, a sore throat had an earlier onset.
This makes sense because in other respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, a sore throat is often an early symptom.
Respiratory viruses are inhaled, meaning they enter your nose and throat first. They may replicate there early on, leading to throat soreness and irritation.
Reports on how common a sore throat is with COVID-19 varies based on the group that’s being studied. For example, a study of 120 people with COVID-19 found that a sore throat was reported by 30 percent of study participants. Another study of 99 people found that it was only reported in 5 percent of cases.
A study in China, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published early in the pandemic, found that out of more than 55,000 confirmed cases, only 13.9 percent of people reported a sore throat.
This aligns with the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis that was published in November 2020. Researchers analyzed 148 studies that looked at the symptoms in 24,410 adults with confirmed COVID-19. It found that the prevalence of a sore throat was 12 percent .
The ZOE Study, an initiative started by the ZOE Company and King’s College London, tracks self-reported COVID-19 symptoms through the COVID-19 Symptom Study app ( iOS, Android).
So far, a sore throat is a commonly reported symptom, with almost half of users reporting it. This symptom is also more often reported in people between the ages of 18 and 65, and appears to be slightly less common in vaccinated people.
Age may also be a factor in the type of COVID-19 symptoms you have.
An observational study published in January 2021 involved 373 healthcare workers. Of those who got COVID-19, typical cold symptoms like sore throat and runny or stuffy nose were more commonly reported in participants under the age of 30.
Summary
A sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary.
Some research indicates that a sore throat seems to occur in about 12 to 14 percent of people with COVID-19. However, almost half the users of a symptom-tracking app have reported a sore throat as a symptom of COVID-19.
Additionally, a sore throat seems to be more common in people under age 30.
Symptoms of COVID-19
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
Feeling Sick?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider the following options:
- Get tested for COVID-19
- If you have already tested positive for COVID-19, learn more about CDC’s isolation guidance
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID 19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
If someone is showing any of these signs, call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Difference Between Flu and COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. Some PCR tests can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time. If one of these tests is not available, many testing locations provide flu and COVID-19 tests separately. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for both flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
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