Does covid cause sore throat
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Does COVID-19 Cause Sore Throat?
COVID-19 Symptoms Overview
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue, but the virus can also cause a variety of other symptoms affecting different parts of the body1 2 4. Among these, sore throat has been identified as a symptom, though its prevalence varies.
Prevalence of Sore Throat in COVID-19
Initial Findings and Regional Variations
Early studies indicated that sore throat was a relatively rare symptom of COVID-19. For instance, a meta-analysis involving over 50,000 patients found that sore throat, along with other symptoms like diarrhea and headache, was less common compared to fever and cough1. However, the prevalence of sore throat has shown regional variations. Initial reports suggested that sore throat was present in about 29% of COVID-19 patients in Asia and only 7% in North America3.
Impact of Viral Variants
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as the Alpha and Delta variants, has led to changes in symptom prevalence. Recent data indicate that sore throat has become more common, affecting approximately 50% of patients in regions where these variants are predominant3. This increase highlights the evolving nature of COVID-19 symptoms with the spread of new viral strains.
Sore Throat in Different Populations
General Population
In the general population, sore throat is a notable symptom but not the most frequent one. Studies have shown that about 30% of COVID-19 patients report sore throat, making it a significant but not dominant symptom compared to fever and cough4 6 7.
Pediatric Population
In children, sore throat is also a common symptom of COVID-19. A systematic review found that fever and sore throat were the most common symptoms among pediatric patients. However, children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 were less likely to exhibit sore throat compared to those without MIS-C5.
Comparison with Other Respiratory Infections
When comparing COVID-19 to other respiratory infections like influenza and the common cold, sore throat is less frequently reported in COVID-19 cases. For example, sore throat was observed in only 12% of COVID-19 patients, whereas it was much more common in influenza and common cold cases10. This distinction can help in differential diagnosis, especially during the cold and flu season.
Conclusion
Sore throat is a recognized symptom of COVID-19, though its prevalence varies by region and viral variant. Initially considered rare, the symptom has become more common with the spread of new variants like Alpha and Delta. While not the most frequent symptom, sore throat is significant enough to be considered in the clinical assessment of COVID-19, particularly in distinguishing it from other respiratory infections. Understanding the evolving symptom profile of COVID-19 is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of the disease.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Sore throat in COVID‐19: Comment on “Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A single arm meta‐analysis”
COVID-19 patients often experience fever, cough, muscle soreness, and fatigue, but rarely experience diarrhea, hemoptysis, headache, sore throat, shock, and other rare symptoms.
Meta-AnalysisDiagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 infections
This Review highlights the progress in developing diagnostic tools for SARS-CoV-2, including nanomaterial-based tools, to aid in rapid detection and aid in the fight against COVID-19.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedSore Throat, an Early Sign in Covid-19? Prevalence and Changing Trends with New Viral Variants
The prevalence of sore throat in COVID-19 patients has increased to approximately 50%, with new strains like Alpha and Delta increasing the likelihood of otolaryngologic symptoms.
Literature ReviewAnalysis of Ear, Nose and Throat Manifestations in COVID-19 Patients
COVID-19 patients often experience ear, nose, and throat symptoms, with sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, and olfactory dysfunction being the most common.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalA Systematic Review of Characteristics Associated with COVID-19 in Children with Typical Presentation and with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) are less likely to exhibit sore throat and respiratory symptoms, but have a greater number of inflammatory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalCOVID‐19 diagnosis and management: a comprehensive review
Quarantine is the only effective intervention for decreasing COVID-19 contagion, while antiviral drugs, chloroquine, and respiratory therapy are used for treatment.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedClinical manifestation, diagnosis, prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) during the outbreak period.
Current strategies for diagnosing and treating SARS-CoV-2 include radiological methods, which can accurately detect the infection quickly and effectively, while also preventing transmission to others.
Highly CitedInterrelations between COVID-19 and other disorders
COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, have a worse prognosis and increased risk of severe symptoms.
Highly CitedApproaches towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic (Review)
Novel anti-viral agents, vaccines, or an effective combination therapy for COVID-19 infection and spread therapy are expected to be developed and implemented in 2021.
Rigorous JournalComparison of the clinical differences between COVID-19, SARS, influenza, and the common cold: A systematic literature review.
A greater number of general symptoms should lead to a diagnosis of influenza or common cold rather than COVID-19.
Systematic Review