Is that sore throat a symptom of a common cold, strep throat or COVID-19?

Could it be COVID-19?

If there were a chart of COVID-19 versus common cold symptoms, there would be an awful lot of overlap. Both COVID-19 and a common cold could certainly cause a sore throat, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. However, COVID-19 symptoms sometimes include changes in or loss of taste or smell.

If someone has any possible COVID-19 symptoms, it is recommended that they get tested either with a health care provider or at home with an at-home test such as the CVS Health at home COVID-19 test kit, the FlowFlex COVID-19 antigen home test or the BinaxNOW COVID-19 antigen self test.

If the test is positive, then the COVID-19 virus was detected, and the person tested either has COVID-19 or recently had an infection. If the test is negative, they’re not necessarily off the hook — while the test did not detect the virus, that doesn’t rule out an infection. If someone tests negative, they should test a second time in 48 hours if they are symptomatic.

Is a prescription needed to treat COVID-19?

If someone is unvaccinated, not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, over age 65 or has a weakened immune system, they’re considered high-risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Prescription antiviral medications such as Paxlovid are available to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. A health care provider can help assess eligibility before giving someone a prescription. It is recommended that people start this type of medication as soon as possible after their symptoms start (usually within 5 to 7 days depending on the medication).

How long does COVID-19 last?

“COVID-19 can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks — and some people have symptoms, such as fatigue, that can linger for months,” says Dr. Neale. It is recommended that people follow current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance regarding isolation and take added precautions when necessary.

Could it be strep throat?

If someone has ruled out COVID-19 and does not have other cold symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing or cough, they might have strep throat. “When considering whether to test for strep throat, doctors rely on four key clues,” says Andrew Bryant, MD, associate professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Those include fever, swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, pus on the tonsils and the patient’s age. (Strep throat is most common in kids ages 3 through 14 and less common in adults ages 45 and older.)

Is a prescription needed to treat strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, so people generally need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. In some cases, strep throat can damage the heart or kidneys.

Over-the-counter (OTC) products to help support sore throat symptom relief

Health care providers prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat. In addition to antibiotics, there are ways to help with symptom relief at home, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down a fever and reduce pain, as well as sucking on lozenges or popsicles to soothe the throat. Make sure to follow all package instructions.

How long does strep throat last?

If someone tests positive for strep throat, a health care provider will usually start them on antibiotics right away. If someone is in school or working, they may be advised to stay home until they are fever free and have been on antibiotics for 12 to 24 hours to help prevent the spread of infection.

Could it be a cold?

There are no tests to confirm the common cold. However, if a health care provider has ruled out COVID-19 and strep throat, and someone doesn't have symptoms like a fever or muscle aches that might point to the flu, they may have a common cold.

Is a prescription needed to treat a common cold?

No. Antibiotics won’t work against the common cold, which is caused by a viral infection, and there aren’t any antiviral medications people can take to combat it.

OTC products to help relieve cold symptoms

“OTC cold medicines won’t directly treat the common cold, but there are many that might help people feel better,” says Dr. Neale. She advises avoiding combination products and instead taking one or more single-ingredient OTC products that target specific symptoms.

Sprays and lozenges, like Halls Flavored Cough Drops, can help soothe a sore throat, for example. Or for chest congestion, consider a decongestant like guaifenesin (such as Mucinex). For a cough, a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan (such as Robitussin) may help. As always, if someone drinks plenty of fluids and gets adequate rest, they should feel better within a week. If not, they should consult with their health care provider.