Sore throat may feel the same in COVID-19 and common cold, here's why
When it comes to COVID-19 symptoms, it may range from something extremely harmless like a runny nose to a highly severe associated with shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell and taste. Amidst all these symptomatic chaos, sore throat can surely take a toll on you. Not only does it make it almost impossible for you to swallow your food, but it can also be excruciatingly painful. However, in the recent times, if you visit a doctor with a sore throat, they may find it difficult to identify the source of the problem, as sore throat can be a possible symptom for both COVID-19 and common cold.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 and Common cold
Common cold and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses that may differ in the risks they pose to the body, but are infectious and transmitted in the same way. However, once you contract any of the two, you are likely to experience the following symptoms which are common to both these illnesses.
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Loss of sense of smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
Why does sore throat feel the same in COVID-19 and Common Cold?
Sore throat in COVID-19 patients is caused when the virus enters the membranes that are in association with the nose and the throat, which in turn makes them swell. The pain and the soreness felt by the infected person is called 'pharyngitis'. Similarly, in case of common cold and other flu like conditions, sore throat is triggered in the same way. In a bid to fight the pathogens, the immune system produces an inflammatory response, that makes the throat sore.
Other illnesses associated with sore throat
Besides the COVID-19 and common cold, sore throat can also be asspciated with other illnesses, which may or may not be as serious and severe as the novel coronavirus. If you experience throat pain and it seems to be the only symptom prevalent, then there's a high chance it has more to do with an allergy from a pollen or a dander than with a common cold or COVID-19.
Apart from that, sore throat can also be a flu symptom, which can be accompanied by fever, chills and fatigue. However, if you have a severe throat pain, it is always advisable to see a doctor.