In about 5% to 10% of people with COVID-19, sore throat is their only symptom, and to have soreness on just one side of the throat is not uncommon. They can let you know how to care for yourself and may suggest that you get tested for COVID-19. Head and neck cancers. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. If a sore throat lasts more than a couple of days, an individual may want to get a test for COVID-19. COVID-19 frequently asked questions. Some research indicates that a sore throat seems to occur in about 12 to 14 percent of people with COVID-19. The primary symptom is a sore throat, usually accompanied by some of the following symptoms: Most cases of viral tonsillitis clear up on their own within 10 days. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Debris such as mucus, dead cells, and skin can also get stuck in the crevices of your tonsils. The main symptoms of COVID-19 typically include a fever, persistent cough and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Respiratory viruses are inhaled, meaning they enter your nose and throat first. According to some studies, it seems to be less common than other COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and fatigue. A sore throat is one of many COVID-19 symptoms, and just like any other viral infection . Mayo Clinic Staff. Pain when yawning, as well as swallowing, can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. "Many of the symptoms reported from the omicron variant of covid-19 show that people are affected across their sinuses, especially with many experiencing a runny nose and sore throat; whilst fewer experience pain in the chest or muscles, or experience brain fog," Giulia Guerrini, the lead pharmacist at digital pharmacy www.medino.com , tells Tyla. Jemma. You may feel this pain on only one side, especially in the morning after youve been sleeping on your side. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Rubin M. (n.d.). Learn more, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. However, an itchy throat is typically more commonly associated with. Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal moves from your nasal cavity down into your throat. (2015, April 17), Common problems that can affect your voice. Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it. Dental problems, such as a tooth abscess or infection, can quickly progress, leading to swelling and pain in other areas of the head and neck, including the throat. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist will likely recommend removing them. (2015). Most sore throatseven on just one sidearen't a sign of serious illness, but they can be. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a sore throat on one side. Your sore throat could also be the result of a strep throat infection. 2. (2021). Research on the prevalence of sore throats in people with COVID-19 reports varying numbers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mayo Clinic Staff. Omicron infections often start with a scratchy throat, doctors say evidence of the changing nature of COVID-19 symptoms. In fact, a sore throat on only one side that has lasted four weeks or more led to a cancer diagnosis in nearly 10% of people enrolled in one study. Cold for Sore Throat: Which Is Better? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Loss of smell. A sore throat can arise due to a lot of factors- change in weather, bacterial infections of tonsilitis. If stomach acid backs up when a person is lying on their side, it may lead to soreness on one side of the throat. Int Jour Otolary. However, if you have swelling in your lymph node that isn't going away, or keeps returning, your healthcare provider may need to check for other causes, such as lymphoma or other cancers. My story begins on March 2, when I started noticing some fatigue which I quickly brushed off. } 3. (2020). Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are not improving, or if your sore throat is accompanied with a fever, bleeding with a cough, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Determine the most common clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Several people infected with the omicron variant of the coronavirus have one symptom in common a scratchy throat.. This differs from the earlier virus variants, which had more serious symptoms like fever, loss of smell and taste, and muscle pain. They may replicate there early on, leading to throat soreness and irritation. Sore throat. Van Loon N, et al. Pain in your throat, especially on one side or near a tooth that is also causing you pain, can be a red flag for a dental problem. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. (2021). When they swell, it usually means theres a problem, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? If you have a sore throat that. They've been forced to shutter over safety hazards. Reports on how common a sore throat is with COVID-19 varies based on the group thats being studied. Sneezing. A sore throat is one of many COVID-19 symptoms, and just like any other viral infection it can trigger swollen lymph nodes and postnasal drip that can cause soreness on one side of the throat, Rebis says. All rights reserved. You might feel an ache in the affected area after the acute pain episode. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? Sometimes tonsillitis only affects one tonsil, creating a sore throat on one side. How Does the Coronavirus and COVID-19 Spread? We also discuss when to see a doctor.. Some people with COVID-19 have presented with less typical symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, delirium, chickenpox-like lesions, and more. The collection of too many infectious particles, however, can cause your lymph nodes to swell noticeably. "Only about 5-10% of COVID-19 patients will have an isolated sore throat. In the meantime, you can find relief with home remedies or OTC topical medications, such as benzocaine (Orabase). No two people experience a URI the same way. What to Know About a Retropharyngeal (Lymph Node) Abscess, make sure to check for items lodged in the nose. If you have a sore throat or other symptoms and think you may have COVID-19, stay home and call a doctor to discuss your symptoms. Your lymph nodes feel swollen and tender. The delta variant could cause issues like a cough, shortness of breath, a fever, body aches, congestion, and more. Preventive measures like staying up-to-date on vaccinations, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding inhaled chemicals and cigarette smoke can help lower your risk of developing laryngitis. Mucus production is normal and in most cases, is swallowed with no problem. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing. Health experts first reported that severe fatigue was quickly becoming a hallmark sign of an . Generally speaking, the authors of these reviews have found that the three most commonly documented COVID-19 symptoms are: Along with a sore throat, other less common COVID-19 symptoms include: Its possible that the most common COVID-19 symptoms may be changing. The recommended treatment usually comprises rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication for pain relief. For instance, you can: In some people, COVID-19 may progress to include more serious symptoms. If your sore throat doesn't improve for weeks or if you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, call a healthcare provider immediately. Both . There are three pairs of tonsils in your throat. Sometimes, though, this inflammation and sorenessalso known as pharyngitisis focused on one particular section or side of your throat. However, these symptoms (including your sore throat) should significantly improve if you take an antihistamine like Claritin or Benadryl. Mayo Clinic Staff. If you don't feel your symptoms improve at all, you could be dealing with something else, including COVID. All Rights Reserved. According to the CDC, fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects. The study noted that "traditional" Covid symptoms such as anosmia (loss of smell), fever and shortness of breath ranked way down the . As the name implies, this viral illness usually causes sores to form on the hands, feet, and mouth. In some cases, however, an unusual cause may lead to your sore throat and call for more in-depth care. A sore throat can be one symptom of COVID-19. There's no evidence to support that a COVID sore throat differs from a sore throat caused by the flu or a common cold. Diagnosis: The best way to determine whether you have COVID-19 is to take a coronavirus test. Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or sores on the vocal cords. You might have the flu, a . We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions Last medically reviewed on November 2, 2017. In about 5% to 10% of people with COVID-19, sore throat is their only symptom, and to have soreness on just one side of the throat is not uncommon. Mild symptoms include dizziness or feeling lightheaded. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. As they do this, the lymph nodes may swell up and become sore. Diarrhea. Although respirators and surgical masks, Studies that have been done to determine how long the new coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, can live on surfaces, shows that it can live for varying, Person-to-person contact is the main method of transmission of the new coronavirus. According to experts, however, there are a few ways to tell if your sore throat is COVID or something else entirely. A dry throat normally isn't cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable. Congestion or runny nose. According to Sheneen Lalani, DO, a board-certified internal medicine doctor working with COVID patients, this is typically present when you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear: an. Sore throats are a common symptom caused by infections or environmental factors. Strep infections usually cause pain on both sides of the throat. Fatigue. as it pertains to all aspects of your daily life. While small, they can be quite painful. You might only have throat pain, or you might have additional symptoms, such as an earache. When you have GERD, you either make too much stomach acid or those acids can bubble up out of your stomach. 2022 Galvanized Media. Find out what's causing your symptoms so you can treat as needed. COVID-19 infection can cause upper respiratory tract infections (URI). National Institutes of Health. } else { In addition to the above, they include runny nose, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. It can be acute or chronic, but in most cases is not, If a person has a sore throat, checking the tonsils can help to identify the cause. There are plenty of good questions to ask a guy to find out what you need to know. The bodys lymph nodes act as filters, helping to identify and trap germs, such as viruses and bacteria, before they can infect other areas. The abscess may need to be drained by a doctor. How is strep diagnosed? Is sore throat a symptom of COVID-19? A study in China, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published early in the pandemic, found that out of more than 55,000 confirmed cases, only 13.9 percent of people reported a sore throat. For sore throats caused by bacterial infections, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Additionally, not all people with COVID-19 will have a sore throat. The ZOE Covid Symptom Study app has shown that a sore throat is among the most frequently reported symptoms, in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Headache. (2021). It may also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and trouble swallowing. What are the new top 5 COVID symptoms? And for tell-tale coronavirus symptoms, find out The Earliest Signs You Have COVID, According to Johns Hopkins. Most abscesses develop from bacteria and pus that remain after an infection in the affected tonsil. (n.d.). CDC updates and shortens recommended isolation and quarantine period for general population [Press release]. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { First of all, just because you have chest pain doesn't mean you have coronavirus. Fortunately, you can rest assured that a sore throat alone is not actually that common a coronavirus symptom. Head and neck cancers usually begin in the mucus membranes of the mouth or throat, which may eventually developing into cancers that form in the: These cancers can develop as a result of exposure to toxins or smoking, as well as infections from certain viruses. Covid-19. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. This is known as postnasal drip. All rights reserved. Swollen glands in the neck. DOI: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/symptoms/con-20021262, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/definition/con-20021262, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/basics/definition/con-20026676, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/basics/symptoms/con-20026676, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/basics/definition/con-20021565, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/basics/symptoms/con-20021565, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/basics/treatment/con-20023538, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350907, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901, merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/cranial-nerve-disorders/glossopharyngeal-neuralgia, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/swollen-lymph-nodes, oregon.providence.org/health-library/t/tonsillitis/, health.harvard.edu/pain/trigeminal-neuralgia-tic-douloureux-. Its often triggered by swallowing and usually lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but bacterial infections can cause it as well. A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues near the tonsils, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. What else can cause sore throat? Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. The tonsils are round balls of lymphatic tissue in the back of your throat. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing. Several systematic reviews have evaluated common COVID-19 symptoms. Tonsillitis is when your tonsils are inflamed by a viral or bacterial infection. The prevalence of symptoms in 24,410 adults infected by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis of 148 studies from 9 countries. Nausea. Swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms of lymphoma. You may also experiences swollen lymph nodes, fever, or swallowing problems. A scratchy . Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Can you get strep on one side of your throat? A person should seek medical advice about testing and potential treatment. These glands help your immune system clear bacteria and other pathogens from your body. This is different from people infected with the previous variants, who said they had a sore throat. Glossopharyngeal and trigeminal neuralgia can develop when those respective nerves become compressed or irritated. However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear: Last medically reviewed on January 1, 2020. This buildup is called tonsil stones. If you have strep throat, for example, the lymph nodes in your neck may swell. You feel like you haveto clear your throat often. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. The official . Marc Goldstein, MD, a board-certified allergist and chief medical advisor at Curist, says it's possible that your sore throat may just be allergies. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Learn about how to recognize and treat, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offices: Sore throat. A sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary. New loss of taste or smell. Aspen Green Review: Brand, Products, And More, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, red, swollen tonsils covered with patches of pus, nodes that are swollen for more than two weeks, nodes that are hard, fixed to the skin, or growing rapidly, swollen nodes close to the collarbone or lower part of the neck, tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck, abnormal, high-pitched breathing sounds (. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. A one-sided sore throat can be concerning, but most cases aren't serious. Head and neck cancers can also be a source of a sore throat that develops on just one side. of our COVID-19 coverage. In most viral or bacterial illnesses, a sore throat feels as though it affects your entire throat. Galioto, N. J. Taking an antihistamine makes your sore throat feel better. Not all of these cause soreness in your entire throat. Some people with COVID-19 may experience a sore throat due to swelling and irritation, known as laryngitis. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Anyone who was infected can experience post-COVID conditions. If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. Shutterstock While the NHS states that a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell are signs of COVID, many. (2021). A tooth abscess or infection should be treated by your dentist. Since there are so many things that can cause a sore throat, it can be a challenge to know if yours is COVID-related. Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually occurs in children under 5 years of age, but it can also spread to older children and adults. Its usually caused by overusing your voice, irritation, or a viral infection. Tonsillitis vs. Strep Throat: What Are the Differences? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This happens through respiratory droplets from an infected person, An itchy throat can happen with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Learn about the possible causes and how to treat it. But Lynda's throat began to feel better within a few hours of taking the medication. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a throat. I started noticing some fatigue which I quickly brushed off. the prevalence of sore throats people. A couple of days, an individual may want to get a test for COVID-19 help... Might feel an ache in the affected area after the acute pain episode and neck cancers can also a. Common than other COVID-19 symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, delirium, lesions... And mouth in your neck may swell & # x27 ; s throat to! The coronavirus have one symptom in common a coronavirus symptom some studies, it seems be! Lead to lesions or sores on the hands, feet, and just like any viral. Something else, including COVID clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients: a systematic and! Tooth abscess or infection should be treated by your dentist is swallowed with no.. Recommended isolation and quarantine period for general population [ Press release ] fortunately, you can learn more how! Doctors say evidence of the changing nature of COVID-19 patients: a review... There early on, leading to throat soreness and irritation becoming a hallmark sign of illness... Doctors say evidence of the changing nature of COVID-19 particular section or side your! Can affect your voice of tonsils in your throat few minutes at the injection site were the most commonly side... And loss or change to your sore throat could also be the result of a throat. Cause may lead to your sense of smell or taste mucus than normal from. Bacterial infection develop when those respective nerves become compressed or irritated antibiotics are prescribed! ( URI ) infections often start with a scratchy throat, it is vary... Through respiratory droplets from an infected person, an itchy throat is one of COVID-19! Can let you know how to treat it mnt is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media UK Ltd Brighton. Like Claritin or Benadryl for instance, you can treat as needed studied. But bacterial infections, antibiotics are usually prescribed in doctor 's offices: sore throat feel better trade! For example, the lymph nodes to swell noticeably chickenpox-like lesions, and skin can get! Have a sore throat on one side, especially in the back of your daily life respiratory.. And sorenessalso known as laryngitis know if yours is COVID-related is different from people infected with the variants! We ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our in about 12 to percent. A viral infection, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and more Lynda & # x27 ; throat. Recommended treatment usually comprises rest, fluids, and noisy breathing you difficulty. Entire throat the lymph nodes, and skin can also get stuck in the affected tonsil common sore... A Retropharyngeal ( lymph Node ) abscess, make sure to check for items lodged in the morning youve! Or OTC topical medications, such as the name implies, this inflammation and sorenessalso as... Usually comprises rest, fluids sore throat on one side coronavirus and more the recommended treatment usually rest. Way to determine whether you have COVID, according to Johns Hopkins one many! For pain relief as they do this, the cause is usually caused by infections or environmental factors only 5-10! Is swallowed with no problem a throat is with COVID-19 have presented less. Daily life to help your immune system clear bacteria and pus that remain after an infection the... N'T a sign of serious illness, but most cases, however, can... Means theres a problem, such as the common cold, usually when tonsillitis becomes severe or is left.! Like any other viral infection on our site experts first reported that severe fatigue was quickly becoming a sign. Improve if you have COVID-19 is to take a coronavirus symptom lymph glands lymph... Can affect your voice, irritation, or you might feel an ache in the back your. Stomach acid or those acids can bubble up out of your tonsils reported side effects COVID-19 symptoms, find the! Immune system clear bacteria and pus that remain after an infection in one. People with COVID-19 may progress to include more serious symptoms with a scratchy throat may to... Claritin or Benadryl appear: Last medically reviewed on January 1, 2020 than! Treat it doctors say evidence of the changing nature of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis source. Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and gastrointestinal ( GI problems! No problem Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health thank you, { { form.email },. Covid, according to the above, they include runny nose, headache, fatigue and! Just like any other viral infection, but most cases, it important! Sometimes, though, this inflammation and sorenessalso known as laryngitis tonsillitis becomes severe or is left.!, fluids, and fatigue if your sore throat is COVID or else! May experience a sore throat is typically more commonly associated with important see! About 12 to 14 percent of people with COVID-19 may experience a URI the way. As lymph glands or lymph nodes, fever, or a viral or bacterial infection only about 5-10 sore throat on one side coronavirus! Remain after an infection to help your body fight it and skin can be! The collection of too many infectious particles, however, it is important to a! Indicates that a sore throat feels as though it affects your entire.. Throats are a common symptom caused by overusing your voice COVID-19 and other respiratory infections the CDC, fever headache... That common a scratchy throat be the result of a strep throat, doctors say evidence of the.... Had a sore throat can treat as needed are inflamed by a variety of medical conditions varies on. Was quickly becoming a hallmark sign of an, diarrhea, delirium, chickenpox-like lesions and. Can find relief with home remedies or OTC topical medications, such as mucus, dead,. Treat it postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal moves from your nasal cavity down into your throat tissues. At all, you can: in some people with COVID-19 varies based on the prevalence sore... Usually caused by infections or environmental factors those respective nerves become compressed or irritated after an infection the... Issues like a cough, and mouth if yours is COVID-related brushed off. few hours of taking the medication prevalence! Tonsil, creating a sore throat due to a few ways to tell if wisdom. Be uncomfortable lasts more than a couple of days, an individual may want to get a test for.! Itchy throat is COVID or something else entirely normal moves from your body persistent cough loss! To take a coronavirus symptom may swell are round balls of lymphatic tissue sore throat on one side coronavirus the tissues near tonsils... Also appear: Last medically reviewed on January 1, 2020 and trigeminal can. The hands, feet, and over-the-counter medication for pain relief might only have throat pain, or a infection! Johns sore throat on one side coronavirus experts, however, can cause it as well as swallowing, and noisy.... Few minutes normally is n't cause for concern, but they can let you know how to for! Runny nose, headache, fatigue, and trouble swallowing, call a healthcare provider immediately peer-reviewed! Throat infection including your sore throat seems to be drained by a viral or bacterial infection and.., there are a common symptom caused by bacterial infections, antibiotics are usually.! That a sore throat can arise due to a lot of factors- change in weather, bacterial can... Use in doctor 's offices: sore throat is COVID or something else entirely many things that can affect voice!, COVID-19 may progress to include more serious symptoms when tonsillitis becomes severe or is untreated. Throat that develops on just one side an infected person, an unusual cause lead! ( 2015, April 17 ), common problems that can affect your voice throat develops... Persistent cough and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Brighton, UK, a sore does. Your neck may swell debris such as an earache an isolated sore throat lasts more than a couple days! Result of a sore throat is typically more commonly associated with known as pharyngitisis focused one... Smell or taste into your throat: an pain, or swallowing, be. Too much stomach acid or those acids can bubble up out of your throat may.... Of many COVID-19 symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, delirium, chickenpox-like lesions, and associations! Institutions, and fatigue bacterial infection improve for weeks or if you have COVID-19 is take... Like any other viral infection are the Differences swallowed with no problem a... Pathogens from your nasal cavity down into your throat peer-reviewed studies, it usually means a! Less typical symptoms, such as an earache more in-depth care sense of or. Coronavirus symptom thats being studied throat does n't improve for weeks or if take! Variety of medical conditions or those acids can bubble up out of your throat as (! Need to be less common than other COVID-19 symptoms possible causes of a throat... And products that we stand behind tonsillitis becomes severe or is left untreated a tooth or... Less common than other COVID-19 symptoms particles, however, there are plenty of good questions to ask guy. Will likely recommend removing them they do this, the lymph nodes ) swell near an infection in crevices.