A optimistic COVID-19 take a look at consequence is just not one thing that anybody desires to see — however now there could also be an additional purpose to keep away from getting sick.
COVID infections trigger depressing signs corresponding to fever, fatigue, congestion and extra. Now, although, some folks contaminated with COVID in China are reporting a really sore throat that’s been nicknamed “razor blade throat.”
In line with Google developments knowledge, folks all through the U.S. at the moment are, too, anxious about this scary-sounding symptom and are trying to find issues like “new covid variant painful symptom” and “covid razor throat.”
Simply how anxious do it is advisable be a couple of super-painful sore throat throughout a COVID an infection? Beneath, medical doctors weigh in on the supposed “razor blade” sore throat symptom:
Some folks with COVID are reporting a “razor blade throat,” however you don’t have to panic. It’s nothing new.
“Previously, as new variants have come on the scene, there virtually invariably have been questions on distinctive signs, and after some time, if you collect a variety of knowledge, seems to not be the case — all of those signs have occurred earlier than,” mentioned Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medication within the division of well being coverage at Vanderbilt College Medical Middle in Nashville, Tennessee.
Which means, the circulating COVID variants have a tendency to provide the identical form of signs and illness as those from years in the past, Schaffner added. “Though the more moderen variants, these omicron variants, are much less extreme,” he mentioned.
A really sore throat isn’t particular to the circulating COVID variants, mentioned Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and inside medication at Nationwide Jewish Well being in Colorado. As an alternative, it’s a symptom that has been related to COVID infections for some time, Horn mentioned.
Schaffner had not heard of the “razor blade” sore throat symptom notably, however has heard of individuals having a extreme sore throat with COVID infections.
Whereas some folks can have a really sore throat that might be described as razor-like, it doesn’t imply it’s going to occur to everybody — and it additionally isn’t some new, scary symptom that’s related to new COVID infections.
There’s not one excellent COVID symptom that marks an an infection, mentioned Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious illness skilled at UofL Well being in Louisville, Kentucky. “A sore throat is a symptom of this, but in addition fever and cough and fatigue, these are all signs as effectively,” Burns added.
“To sum all of it up, the signs, together with sore throat, are actually no totally different. There’s no elevated depth based mostly on sore throat or something like that,” added Burns.
Right here’s how one can shield your self from a COVID an infection:
COVID tends to surge twice a 12 months — as soon as within the winter and as soon as within the mid-to-late summer time, Schaffner mentioned.
“And so there was a longstanding advice by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that people who find themselves at elevated danger of getting extreme COVID ought to really get two COVID vaccinations a 12 months. Clearly, one within the fall to stop the winter improve, however one other proper now with a purpose to assist stop severe illness through the late summer time and early fall,” Schaffner mentioned.
This goes for folks 65 and older, youthful folks with underlying power medical situations and pregnant folks, he mentioned.
“The advice is take particular precautions and get that additional dose, as a result of if we get contaminated … we get that additional safety and to assist maintain us out of the hospital,” Schaffner mentioned.
Sporting a masks in indoor areas, social distancing, washing your arms usually and growing air flow when attainable are extra methods to guard your self from COVID and different respiratory viruses, too, mentioned Burns.
If you happen to do get sick, there are therapies accessible.
When you’ve got any COVID signs, corresponding to sore throat, fatigue, cough or fever, take a take a look at to see you probably have COVID. If you’re contaminated, get in contact together with your physician, notably in the event you’re high-risk as there are therapies accessible, mentioned Schaffner.
It’s vital that you simply speak to your major care supplier because the steerage will range relying in your age, underlying situations and different danger elements.
COVID is a depressing an infection, Horn added. “Over-the-counter meds assist — Ibuprofen alternating with Tylenol, in the event you’re in a position to take these … there’s no purpose to be depressing,” Horn mentioned. “So, take the drugs that you’ll be able to take to assist,” she mentioned.
It’s additionally vital to remain hydrated if you’re sick even in the event you do have a painful sore throat. A sore throat could make hydration really feel like extra of a chore, nevertheless it’s vital to drink water and natural teas as dehydration can additional irritate the dry membranes in your throat, Horn mentioned.
“If you’re sick, it’s finest to maintain your germs to your self,” mentioned Horn. This implies canceling the dinner plans, not going to the social gathering and calling out of labor in the event you can — in the event you can’t, sporting a tight-fitting masks is essential, Horn added.
“Stopping transmission is the largest factor that we will do to assist maintain all people wholesome,” Horn mentioned.
