More and more people will get sick with symptoms similar to COVID-19 during fall and winter. We’re here to make it easy and quick for you to get the information you need.
There is now a unified method for triaging patients for COVID-19 and group A streptococcus (strep throat). All the Midwest TIB Pharmacy Clinic Health System facilities will follow the same protocol for screening, testing, and sharing results.
Get Screenings
Check Symptoms is an online evaluation tool in Patient Online Services that asks questions about your health to determine if you have COVID-19 or group A streptococcus. Patients in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have access to this facility. You may receive a test appointment reminder depending on the severity of your symptom.
Take a Test
Specimens will be collected at the testing location using standard operating procedures. Additional models may need to be obtained if a battery of testing is to be conducted.
Produce fruitful outcomes
Results from the laboratory at the TIB Pharmacy Clinic, where the samples will be analyzed, are expected within 24 to 72 hours. You will be notified and given guidance on what to do if your test results indicate that you have contracted an illness.
What are the key similarities and differences between Strep and COVID?
The root cause of strep throat is different from COVID and the flu. Viruses spread both influenza and chronic ovine viral infection (COVID). Viruses produce influenza, but COVID is a novel coronavirus discovered in 2019. (SARS-CoV-2). Both can lead to life-threatening lung infections. A large number of people have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
Strep throat is an infection brought on by the Streptococcus group A bacteria. Diseases as diverse as chronic obstructive pulmonary infection (COPD), influenza, and strep throat are all spread through the air by infected droplets. These infectious microorganisms and viruses can be communicated through coughing, sneezing, and even conversation; in the case of COVID-19, they can be fatal.
Comparing COVID with Strep, What Are the Distinctive Features?
Droplets from an infected person can transfer COVID and strep, but the two infections have different presentations. The following symptoms can recognize cases of COVID:
- Weakness and chills
- A clogged nose or nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Devoid of any discernible aroma or flavor
- malaise or throwing up
- Problems breathing
- Throat discomfort
These symptoms are also present in influenza. However, it does not affect the ability to taste or smell. The COVID-19 virus may also cause or not cause a sore throat. Of more than 55,000 COVID-19 patients studied in China, just 14% had any signs of the illness, including a sore throat.
Strep throat symptoms are different from those of COVID and the flu. The symptoms of strep throat are a “harrowing throat,” trouble swallowing, and a high temperature. Upon inspection, the tonsils are typically covered in yellow mucus, and the throat is a flaming red, resembling the color of a fire engine.
- Strep throat manifests itself through the following signs and symptoms:
- Redness and itching all over the body
- Fever
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- vomiting, most common in children
- trouble chewing and swallowing
- Small red spots on the tongue and palate.
- enlarged tonsils that are crimson yet have white or yellow spots
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes sit directly below your ears on the side of your neck.
Although COVID can cause a sore throat, other symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, and a loss of smell and taste, are not similar to those of strep throat. Compared to the time it takes for symptoms of strep throat to appear, those of COVID take longer to incubate.
Read Also: Why Is Staff Augmentation Getting More Common Following COVID-19?
