Key Takeaways

TheZOE COVID Symptom Studyin the United Kingdom has been tracking reports of COVID-19 cases and symptoms for scientific research. Afew months ago, the data from the study suggested that the most common symptom of COVID was either a runny nose or a headache.

With the Omicron subvariant BA.5 being one of thedominant COVID strains in the U.K., it’s easy to assume that the spread of the variant is causing the increasing reports of sore throats. However, experts say that is not necessarily the case.

What Are the Symptoms of Omicron BA.5?

Is BA.5 to Blame for Sore Throats?

Perry N. Halkitis, PhD, MS, MPH, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, told Verywell that rising reports of sore throats do not really have to do with theBA.5 subvariant. Sore throat and headaches are common symptoms of COVID regardless of the variant, and this was true earlier in the pandemic with theAlpha variant.

It’s true that Omicron and its subvariants are more associated with upper respiratory symptomscompared to Deltaand previous variants, but Dowdy is hesitant to attribute the increase in sore throat reports to the spread of BA.5.

Got a Sore Throat? Keep It Cool

Whether it turns out to be fromCOVID or another illness, there are some ways to ease a sore throat at home.

Dowdy recommends drinking plenty of fluids and considering over-the-counter (OTC) lozenges or sprays with local anesthetics to help numb the pain.

What Does a COVID-19 Headache Feel Like?

When to Call Your Provider

Halkitis said it’s important to monitor your symptoms and keep an eye on their trajectory. If they’re not getting better—or getting worse—it’s a sign the illness is progressing. At that point, it’s time to call your healthcare provider to make sure you get treatment to prevent complications.

Dowdy agreed but added that some people may not want to wait that long. “If you are older—70 or above—or have a compromised immune system, you should have a low threshold for going to see a doctor if you get COVID-19.”

For everyone else? Dowdy said you “should treat this as with any other illness. If you are having prolonged fever or chills or ever experience a change in your mental status, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, this would be a reason to seek medical care.”

What This Means For YouA sore throat can be a symptom of COVID-19, regardless of which variant you have. If you have a sore throat and other COVID symptoms, get tested. If you haven’t already, get vaccinated and make sure you’re up to date on yourboosters.

What This Means For You

A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID-19, regardless of which variant you have. If you have a sore throat and other COVID symptoms, get tested. If you haven’t already, get vaccinated and make sure you’re up to date on yourboosters.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

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