How long does a COVID sore throat last?

COVID-19 can inflame the lining of the throat, making swallowing, speaking, or coughing uncomfortable. A sore throat can occur with a runny nose, cough, fever, tiredness, or changes in taste and smell. Other causes include a common cold, influenza, allergic rhinitis, acid reflux, tonsillitis, or strep throat, so throat pain does not identify one cause by itself.

Improvement is usually gradual rather than sudden. Notice whether pain is easing, staying unchanged, or becoming more severe, and whether you can drink enough.

Drink cool or warm fluids according to what feels soothing. Soft foods, rest, and avoiding smoke can reduce irritation. A pharmacist can advise whether a suitable pain reliever or throat product fits your age, pregnancy status, allergies, and other medicines. Follow the label and do not combine products that contain the same ingredient.

Get emergency help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling, confusion, or severe weakness. Arrange medical review if pain is worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, you develop a persistent high fever, or symptoms are not settling. A clinician may examine the throat and decide whether testing is needed.

Ask whether your symptoms fit COVID-19, whether a throat test is appropriate, which pain relief is safe with your medicines, and what change should prompt urgent reassessment.