Yes, you should get tested for COVID-19 if you have a sore throat, as it's a common symptom, especially to prevent spreading it and to know if you need treatment, using at-home rapid tests or seeing a doctor for a PCR, and staying home if positive.
Visit urgent care for COVID sore throat symptoms and testing
Now that you know sore throat is a sign of COVID-19 infection but can also be a sign of other illnesses, we are here to help. Urgent care offers both COVID-19 testing and provider visits for the whole family.
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold? COVID-19 symptoms usually start 2 to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. But symptoms of a common cold usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. There's no cure for the common cold.
Healthcare providers can do a quick test to see if someone has strep throat or scarlet fever. Talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child have a sore throat, rash, or any concerning symptoms. If you test positive, take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
A viral sore throat often comes with cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness, while a bacterial one (strep throat) usually hits suddenly with severe pain, high fever, no cough, and white spots/pus on tonsils, but only a doctor's test (strep test) can confirm, as symptoms overlap and look similar.
Sore throat symptoms that need medical attention
Viral sore throats typically show signs of improvement within five days. But if your symptoms don't improve or you have a fever of 101 or higher that lasts for a few days, it may be time to see your primary care physician.
Possible symptoms include:
The COVID virus has more success surviving on hard surfaces, such as glass and plastic, than on porous ones like bedding. Once the virus lands on a porous material like a fabric, the droplets evaporate much quicker than they do on a hard surface.
If there were a chart of COVID-19 versus common cold symptoms, there would be an awful lot of overlap. Both COVID-19 and a common cold could certainly cause a sore throat, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. However, COVID-19 symptoms sometimes include changes in or loss of taste or smell.
Stage 1 of a sore throat, often the start of a cold or flu, involves early symptoms like a tickle, scratchiness, or mild pain in the throat, possibly with sneezing, usually appearing 1-3 days after infection, and can be managed with rest, fluids, saltwater gargles, and OTC pain relievers, but see a doctor if it's severe, lasts over a week, or comes with a high fever or trouble breathing.
Common New COVID Variant Symptoms in 2025
Remedies for COVID sore throat include over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, warm or cold fluids, and throat rest. A COVID sore throat usually goes away within 10 days. Seek medical care if your sore throat isn't getting better within a week or it gets worse at any point.
Common Symptoms of Nimbus
That said, some people report intense sore throats from Nimbus, sometimes even described as “sharp” or “stabbing,” especially in the early stages of infection. The most common COVID Nimbus symptoms include: Severe sore throat (often felt while swallowing)
Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies or other upper respiratory tract illness. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. A healthy throat and a sore throat, including uvula and tongue, showing inflamed tonsils.
You should test for COVID-19 in the following situations: If you have symptoms, test immediately, and then test again per the instructions if your first result is negative. If you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19 and you do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing.
Throw out all of the trash.
For anyone who is ill in your home, try dedicating a lined trash can for that one person's use. It's a good idea (and a CDC precaution for all cleaning and disinfecting during a time of virus) to wear gloves when you are removing or handling any trash bags.
Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier if you have one
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space.
Transmission of COVID-19 from inhalation of virus in the air can occur at distances greater than six feet. Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.
Day 4-7: Symptom Escalation
Take Over-The-Counter Medications
Antivirals are most effective if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. If used accurately, they can shorten the duration of illness by about 24 hours and decrease the risk of complications, especially in high-risk populations.
COVID-19 and the common cold can feel similar, but there are important differences in their incubation periods, symptoms, and how long they last. Common cold symptoms usually peak around days 1 to 3 of the illness, while COVID tends to have a more variable timeline.
Hydration Is Key
Drinking fluids helps keep your throat moist and prevents further irritation. Warm teas with honey, broths, or simply warm water can soothe irritation. Cold drinks or ice chips can also numb discomfort for immediate relief.
Go to urgent care if your sore throat is severe, lasts more than five days or comes with other symptoms like a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, or you have difficulty swallowing. Urgent care clinics provide quick diagnoses and treatments, including antibiotics if needed.