A constructive COVID-19 take a look at end result will not be one thing that anybody desires to see — however now there could also be an additional motive to keep away from getting sick.
COVID infections trigger depressing signs reminiscent of 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 keeping with Google traits information, folks all through the U.S. at the moment are, too, frightened about this scary-sounding symptom and are trying to find issues like “new covid variant painful symptom” and “covid razor throat.”
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Simply how frightened do it’s essential be a few super-painful sore throat throughout a COVID an infection? Under, 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.
“In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before,” mentioned Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medication within the division of well being coverage at Vanderbilt College Medical Middle in Nashville, Tennessee.
That means, the circulating COVID variants have a tendency to provide the identical type of signs and illness as those from years in the past, Schaffner added. “Although the more recent variants, these omicron variants, are less severe,” 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 inner medication at Nationwide Jewish Health 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 may be not one excellent COVID symptom that marks an an infection, mentioned Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious illness skilled at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky. “A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well,” Burns added.
“To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. There’s no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything 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 season, Schaffner mentioned.
“And so there has been a longstanding recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that people who are at increased risk of getting severe COVID should actually get two COVID vaccinations a year. Obviously, one in the fall to prevent the winter increase, but another right now in order to help prevent serious disease during the late summer and early fall,” Schaffner mentioned.
This goes for folks 65 and older, youthful folks with underlying continual medical circumstances and pregnant folks, he mentioned.
“The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected … we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital,” Schaffner mentioned.
Carrying a masks in indoor areas, social distancing, washing your palms typically and rising air flow when attainable are extra methods to guard your self from COVID and different respiratory viruses, too, mentioned Burns.
In the event you do get sick, there are therapies out there.
You probably have any COVID signs, reminiscent of sore throat, fatigue, cough or fever, take a take a look at to see when you’ve got COVID. In case you are contaminated, get in contact along with your physician, notably if you happen to’re high-risk as there are therapies out there, mentioned Schaffner.
It’s essential that you just speak to your major care supplier because the steering will differ relying in your age, underlying circumstances and different danger elements.
COVID is a depressing an infection, Horn added. “Over-the-counter meds help — Ibuprofen alternating with Tylenol, if you’re able to take those … there’s no reason to be miserable,” Horn mentioned. “So, take the medicine that you are able to take to help,” she mentioned.
It’s additionally essential to remain hydrated once you’re sick even if you happen to do have a painful sore throat. A sore throat could make hydration really feel like extra of a chore, but it surely’s essential to drink water and natural teas as dehydration can additional irritate the dry membranes in your throat, Horn mentioned.
“If you are sick, it’s best to keep your germs to yourself,” mentioned Horn. This implies canceling the dinner plans, not going to the celebration and calling out of labor if you happen to can — if you happen to can’t, sporting a tight-fitting masks is essential, Horn added.
“Preventing transmission is the biggest thing that we can do to help keep everybody healthy,” Horn mentioned.
