A optimistic COVID-19 check end result shouldn’t be one thing that anybody needs to see — however now there could also be an additional purpose to keep away from getting sick.
COVID infections trigger depressing signs comparable 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.”
Based on Google traits information, folks all through the U.S. are actually, too, frightened about this scary-sounding symptom and are looking for issues like “new covid variant painful symptom” and “covid razor throat.”
Simply how frightened do that you must be a few super-painful sore throat throughout a COVID an infection? Beneath, docs 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.
“Up to now, as new variants have come on the scene, there nearly invariably have been questions on distinctive signs, and after some time, if you collect lots of information, seems to not be the case — all of those signs have occurred earlier than,” stated Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medication within the division of well being coverage at Vanderbilt College Medical Heart 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 stated.
A really sore throat isn’t particular to the circulating COVID variants, stated Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and inner 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 stated.
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, stated Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious illness professional at UofL Well being in Louisville, Kentucky. “A sore throat is a symptom of this, but additionally fever and cough and fatigue, these are all signs as properly,” 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 defend your self from a COVID an infection:
COVID tends to surge twice a yr — as soon as within the winter and as soon as within the mid-to-late summer time, Schaffner stated.
“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 yr. Clearly, one within the fall to stop the winter enhance, however one other proper now to be able to assist forestall severe illness in the course of the late summer time and early fall,” Schaffner stated.
This goes for folks 65 and older, youthful folks with underlying continual medical situations and pregnant folks, he stated.
“The advice is take particular precautions and get that further dose, as a result of if we get contaminated … we get that further safety and to assist maintain us out of the hospital,” Schaffner stated.
Sporting a masks in indoor areas, social distancing, washing your palms typically and rising air flow when doable are extra methods to guard your self from COVID and different respiratory viruses, too, stated Burns.
Should you do get sick, there are remedies obtainable.
If in case you have any COVID signs, comparable to sore throat, fatigue, cough or fever, take a check to see when you’ve got COVID. If you’re contaminated, get in contact together with your physician, notably for those who’re high-risk as there are remedies obtainable, stated Schaffner.
It’s necessary that you just speak to your main care supplier because the steering 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, for those who’re capable of take these … there’s no purpose to be depressing,” Horn stated. “So, take the drugs that you’ll be able to take to assist,” she stated.
It’s additionally necessary to remain hydrated if you’re sick even for those who do have a painful sore throat. A sore throat could make hydration really feel like extra of a chore, nevertheless it’s necessary to drink water and natural teas as dehydration can additional irritate the dry membranes in your throat, Horn stated.
“If you’re sick, it’s finest to maintain your germs to your self,” stated Horn. This implies canceling the dinner plans, not going to the occasion and calling out of labor for those who can — for those who can’t, carrying a tight-fitting masks is vital, Horn added.
“Stopping transmission is the largest factor that we will do to assist maintain everyone wholesome,” Horn stated.
