A sore throat is a frequent and often early symptom of a COVID-19 infection, affecting a large percentage of individuals who contract the virus. The throat discomfort caused by the virus is often described as intense and bothersome. Understanding the expected timeline and the underlying cause of this pain can help manage expectations and guide effective relief strategies.
The Typical Duration of COVID-Related Sore Throat
The duration of throat pain associated with a COVID-19 infection is typically short-lived compared to the overall illness. For most people, the symptom begins early, often appearing as one of the initial signs of infection. The pain usually reaches its peak severity somewhere between the second and third day after onset.
In mild-to-moderate cases, the severe throat discomfort subsides within three to five days. While a mild scratchiness may linger, the sharp pain that makes swallowing difficult generally resolves quickly. If the sore throat persists with intensity beyond seven days, or worsens after improving, it suggests a potential complication or a different underlying issue requiring medical attention.
Why the Pain Occurs and What Affects Its Severity
The throat pain is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a condition known as pharyngitis. The virus enters the body and attaches to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are highly concentrated in the epithelial cells of the upper airway, including the throat. This localized viral replication triggers an immediate immune reaction, causing blood vessels to dilate and immune cells to flood the area.
The resulting inflammation, swelling, and redness of the throat tissues cause intense soreness. Recent viral variants, such as Omicron lineages, replicate more efficiently in the upper respiratory tract compared to earlier strains. This higher concentration of viral activity is thought to link these variants to more prominent throat pain. An individual’s immune status, influenced by vaccination or prior infection, can modify the body’s response, potentially leading to a shorter or less severe inflammatory phase.
Practical Strategies for Relieving Throat Discomfort
Targeting the inflammation is a practical strategy for managing the pain and making swallowing easier during the infection. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are effective because they work directly to reduce swelling in addition to blocking pain signals. Acetaminophen is an alternative that can alleviate pain and fever, especially for those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs due to digestive sensitivities.
Local remedies offer temporary relief by soothing the irritated throat lining. Gargling with a warm salt water solution (half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of water) can draw fluid out of swollen tissues, reducing discomfort. Sucking on lozenges containing menthol or benzocaine provides a temporary numbing effect, which is helpful before eating or drinking. Maintaining hydration is also important, and using a cool-mist humidifier overnight can prevent the throat from drying out and worsening irritation.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Consultation
While most COVID-related sore throats improve on their own, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation to rule out secondary issues. Difficulty swallowing that is so severe it prevents the intake of liquids and leads to dehydration is a serious concern that requires immediate professional care. Pain that is strictly localized to one side of the throat, especially when accompanied by difficulty opening the mouth or a change in voice, could indicate a developing peritonsillar abscess.
Monitor for signs that the infection is progressing beyond the upper respiratory system. Trouble breathing, persistent pressure or pain in the chest, or new confusion should be treated as an emergency. If severe throat pain does not improve after the expected five-to-seven-day period, a consultation is necessary to ensure a secondary bacterial infection, such as strep throat, has not occurred.