Is it COVID, flu, strep throat or just a cold? We asked a UNC doctor
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Symptoms from thes variants remain similar to earlier COVID-19 and other viral infections.
- Testing distinguishes COVID-19 from other illnesses but does not identify the variant.
- Antibiotics cannot be used to combat COVID-19 infections.
Recent COVID-19 variants, including the Cicada variant, have been associated with a sharp throat ache, sometimes called “razor blade throat.”
However, the symptoms are still similar to previous iterations, and other illnesses.
“This variant, like others, does not lead to COVID-19 symptoms being much different or more severe disease. These variants are evolving to become more transmittable and evade our immune systems defenses,” Dr. David Wohl, an infectious diseases expert with UNC Health, said in a statement through spokesperson Alan Wolf.
It can be hard to differentiate between COVID-19 infections and other viral infections like influenza. The best option is to test, though testing will not tell you what variant of COVID-19 you have.
Possible COVID symptoms
The CDC says symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Razorblade throat pains are associated with newer COVID-19 variants like Cicada (BA.3.2) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1). This was not as characteristic of earlier strains.
Other viral illnesses can have very similar symptoms, including more severe throat pains.
Throat pain is also a possible indicator of strep throat, which is a bacterial infection. Like the flu and COVID-19, you confirm strep by testing. If the severe throat pain symptoms are explained by a positive strep test, a patient starts antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective against Cicada variant or the flu, as they are viral.
This time of year, throat pain may also be associated with pollen allergies.
To treat pain from a sore throat
- Hot or cold drinks, depending on personal preference
- Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Gargle saltwater
If your sore throat is a symptom of COVID-19, antivirals may be part of your treatment plan, though they don’t specifically treat the throat. Symptoms may vary, and contact a healthcare provider if you see no improvements.
This story has been updated.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Is it COVID, flu, strep throat or just a cold? We asked a UNC doctor."
