With Covid rates still relatively high in the UK, it’s important to know what could be causing a sore throat in the winter months, according to a pharmacist – and when to seek help.
A leading health boffin, has come forward with crucial details on how Brits can spot the difference between a scratchy throat from the dreaded Covid, a nasty bout of strep, or other lurgies, as the nation continues to grapple with skyrocketing coronavirus stats. With Jack Frost nipping at our noses and most of us huddling together inside, we’re sitting ducks for these invisible nasties.
It’s prime time for sniffles and coughs, but figuring out whether you’ve been hit by COVID-19 or just the common cold can be a right headache. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) data desk has Covid numbers still soaring high – they’ve clocked in 1,081 fresh cases in the week leading up to December 4.
But that’s not all – there was a grim tally of 122 souls lost to the virus in the week up to November 22. If that wasn’t enough to send you scrambling for the hand sanitiser, hospital beds are filling up too – admissions went up by 1.5 percent, with 1,085 poor sods hospitalised up to November 30, reports the Mirror.
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Phil Day, a wizard from Pharmacy2U, is sounding the alarm bells. He’s warning about the cunning XEC variant of Covid that masquerades as an innocent sore throat but brings a posse of four other nasties with it.
Phil clarified: “The XEC variant of COVID-19 has added another layer of complexity to the sore throat diagnosis.”
This crafty virus could greet you with a trifecta of misery – a dry cough, extreme tiredness, and if the universe isn’t your fan, a fever plus your taste and smell might pack up and vanish. While you might fancy braving it out with some bed rest and drugs from the corner shop, give a thought to whether this Covid imposter is giving you grief.
And remember what the NHS says – if you’re suspicious you’ve caught the bug, play it safe, tuck yourself in, and steer clear of a social bash until you’re in the clear.
On to that ghastly thing called strep throat; an unwelcome bacteria that gatecrashes with more drama than a soap opera star. Phil didn’t mince his words when he said: “These include a sudden onset of sharp throat pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, and white streaks or spots on the tonsils.”
The health expert warned that the disease could also lead to a high fever, general fatigue and potentially tonsillitis. “It’s important to recognise that unlike a viral sore throat, strep throat requires antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever,” he cautioned.
“This means a GP consultation is necessary for proper diagnosis and prescription, as antibiotics cannot be issued without a confirmed bacterial cause.”
Tonsillitis can be either viral or bacterial, often characterised by red, swollen tonsils, a fever, and pain when swallowing. “It may also cause bad breath, swollen lymph nodes, and even ear pain,” Phil added.
“Viral tonsillitis is generally managed with supportive care, much like treating a sore throat-rest, hydration, and over-the-counter treatments. However, bacterial tonsillitis, particularly when caused by strep bacteria, requires antibiotic treatment.”
Laryngitis affects the voice box and can lead to hoarseness, a sore throat, or even a complete loss of voice. Phil continued: “This condition is commonly triggered by viral infections, overuse of the voice, or exposure to irritants like smoke.”
“While laryngitis typically clears up on its own within a week or two, the discomfort can be bothersome. Pharmacists can offer advice on how to soothe the throat during recovery, such as staying hydrated, using throat lozenges, and resting the voice. Avoiding irritants like smoking and maintaining a humid environment can also help speed up recovery.”