A sore throat is a classic sign of a viral infection. It is painful and discomforting, and it also makes it difficult to swallow food and certain beverages. However, to treat the condition, it is crucial to know the underlying cause.
COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can result in a variety of symptoms, including a sore throat. Similarly, mpox, an infectious illness caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), can also cause a sore throat. Although these are two distinct infections, they share several common symptoms. So, how can we determine which infection we have, especially when a sore throat is a symptom of both?
Also Read: Drug Regulator Approves India's Indigenous RT-PCR Kit For Mpox
Is Sore Throat A Common Symptom Of COVID And Mpox?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rohit Garg, Consultant - Infectious Disease, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, "COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets or an airborne route when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, whereas mpox mainly spreads through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person. It can also spread through respiratory droplets, but this is less common compared to COVID-19."
As far as a sore throat is concerned, he highlights that it is a common but non-specific symptom. This means that it may not be present in all cases of COVID-19 or Mpox. However, when present, one should pay equal attention to other associated symptoms, which can help distinguish between the causes.
How To Distinguish Between Sore Throat Caused By COVID Vs. Mpox
Differentiating between a sore throat caused by COVID or mpox can be a task, particularly because they share several common symptoms.
However, in a patient with a sore throat, the presence of fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell may indicate COVID-19, whereas the presence of a rash, especially if it evolves into pustules, along with fever and swollen lymph nodes, may indicate monkeypox, explained Dr Garg.
Also Read: Mpox: A Public Health Emergency – How India Can Prepare For An Outbreak
Key Differences Between COVID And Mpox
In terms of symptoms, COVID and mpox may be overlapping in nature to a certain extent. However, the two diseases are extremely different in terms of causes, transmission, and incubation and recovery. Here are some key differences between the two:
Transmission
COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets or airborne particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. In contrast, mpox is mainly transmitted through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of someone who is infected.
Incubation
The incubation for COVID-19 is typically 2–14 days after exposure, with symptoms usually appearing 4-5 days after exposure, whereas for mpox, it is comparatively longer, i.e., 7–14 days after exposure, with symptoms sometimes taking longer to manifest.
Complications
COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory illness, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and long-term complications known as ‘long COVID.’ Mpox, on the other hand, can lead to complications, such as secondary bacterial infections, eye infections, and, in severe cases, scarring or complications from the rash.
Recovery
When it comes to recovering from COVID-19, mild cases may recover within a few weeks, while severe cases may require hospitalisation and have longer recovery periods. In the case of mpox, it typically resolves within 2-4 weeks, but recovery time can vary based on the severity of symptoms and any complications.
Also Read: Why Are Children More Susceptible To Mpox? Doctor Insights
What To Do If You Have Sore Throat
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If you have a sore throat and suspect COVID or mpox, specific testing for COVID-19 or mpox can be done. The specific tests for COVID-19 include RT-PCR tests or rapid antigen tests, and for mpox, you can do a PCR test and serological tests to identify antibodies.
If you or someone you know experiences a sore throat along with other symptoms, here’s what you can do:
- Seek medical advice, especially if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or Mpox.
- Isolate and avoid close contact with others to prevent potential spread.
- Eat a healthy diet and keep active.
- Hydrate by drinking plenty of water.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]