Can You Have Both COVID-19 and Strep Throat?

Is It Possible to Have Both COVID-19 and Strep Throat?

With COVID-19 still widespread, many people wonder what to make of their sore throats - could it be COVID, or might other infections be the culprit? Specifically, is it possible to have a COVID and strep throat coinfection? Understanding how these two conditions differ and overlap is important for getting properly diagnosed and treated.

Key Differences Between the Viruses Behind Each Illness

Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection from group A Streptococcus bacteria, whereas COVID is triggered by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that causes respiratory illness. So strep and COVID originate from two very different pathogens with some varying effects:

• Strep bacteria trigger localized throat inflammation and discomfort, unlike COVID's whole-body impact.
• Strep primarily spreads through direct contact with mucus/saliva droplets, not airborne transmission like COVID.
• Strep has well-established diagnostic testing and treatment regimens, unlike the still novel COVID virus.

Still, superficially these infections can look very similar in early stages. Both COVID and strep throat commonly cause:

• Painful throat/difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Headache/body aches
• Fatigue

Is Co-Infection with Strep and COVID Possible?

Given overlapping symptoms, researchers investigated whether patients could have both strep throat and COVID simultaneously. And evidence shows that yes - it's definitely possible to have a bacterial-viral coinfection. However, testing indicates this strep-COVID combination is relatively uncommon.

In one study of over 1,000 COVID-positive patients, only 1% had a simultaneous case of strep throat based on throat swab analysis. Yet clinicians warn that antibiotics can sometimes complicate diagnosis. If people self-treat possible strep with antibiotics before getting tested, false negatives on bacterial tests become more likely.

Prioritizing Proper Diagnosis

Regardless of coinfection likelihood, anyone with a painful sore throat today should get medically evaluated rather than assume a probable cause. Testing is the only way to know if your symptoms stem from strep, COVID, or another respiratory bug like influenza currently circulating widely.

Doctors can swab your throat and run rapid antigen detection tests that take minutes to diagnose strep, though viral PCR tests are needed to confirm COVID. Getting the right diagnosis through medical assessment ensures appropriate treatment and containment measures if you do prove contagious.

Coping With a Painful Sore Throat

Whether from a singular case of strep or COVID or an unlikely double whammy, dealing with throat pain and inflammation makes for a miserable illness. You can help ease discomfort using the following methods while recovering:

Rest Your Voice

Any throat infection warrants vocal rest to avoid worsening pain and straining irritated tissues. Speak only when necessary, preferring non-verbal communication otherwise. Avoid yelling or whispering, both very taxing on the vocal cords.

Hydrate and Soothe

Proper hydration is key, so sip water, broths, herbal tea, milkshakes and other cool liquids. Popsicles, lozenges and honey can temporarily soothe sore throats too. Just avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol and spicy cuisine until healed.

Try Over-the-Counter Medications

For most adults, OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce throat inflammation and discomfort. Be sure to follow dosing directions carefully. Throat sprays containing lidocaine or other numbing agents may also temporarily lessen pain.

Practice Good Infection Control

Always cover coughs/sneezes, throw away used tissues immediately, and wash hands frequently to avoid transmitting illness. This is especially crucial with highly contagious infections like COVID currently widespread in many communities.

In serious cases causing great difficulty swallowing liquids or with complicating risk factors, hospitalization for IV fluids/feeding may be necessary. Otherwise drink lots of fluids and eat soft, cool foods to nourish yourself while minimizing further throat irritation during illness.

While the combination of strep throat and COVID is less common, a persistent sore throat after respiratory illness or with other concerning symptoms still warrants seeing a doctor promptly. Getting properly diagnosed and following treatment guidelines is key to resolving throat discomfort and preventing transmission whether a singular or dual infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.