Canker sore: Definition. As it turns out, there are quite a number of things that can cause a sore throat, which is both fortunate in that it may not be COVID, but also unfortunate as it can be hard to be sure you're coronavirus-free. As things like bacteria and viruses collect in your lymph nodes, your immune cells work to destroy them. These symptoms may include sore throat, headaches, runny nose, sneezing, and a loss of smell. Can you get strep on one side of your throat? Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): Signs & symptoms. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, What to Eat and Drink When You Have a Sore Throat, Sore Throat 101: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. How long a sore throat lasts depends more on the cause and less on where the pain is located. Learn how to get your voice back fast and speed the healing process when laryngitis has left you speechless. Marc Goldstein, MD, a board-certified allergist and chief medical advisor at Curist, says it's possible that your sore throat may just be allergies. If you've been exposed to someone with COVID or you have other COVID symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and a loss of taste or smell, take a test. When they swell, it usually means theres a problem, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Over time, this irritation can even lead to permanent changes in the lining of your throat, called Barrett's esophagus. "Many of the symptoms reported from the omicron variant of covid-19 show that people are affected across their sinuses, especially with many experiencing a runny nose and sore throat; whilst fewer experience pain in the chest or muscles, or experience brain fog," Giulia Guerrini, the lead pharmacist at digital pharmacy www.medino.com , tells Tyla. El-Anwar MW, et al. Pain in your throat, especially on one side or near a tooth that is also causing you pain, can be a red flag for a dental problem. An allergist can determine if allergies are the cause of your throat pain. Sometimes tonsillitis only affects one tonsil, creating a sore throat on one side. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell exactly where pain in your mouth or throat has started. It is not unusual for a delay of 2 to 5 days . Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. If a cold, flu, or another viral illness is causing the sore throat, treatment will likely involve rest and fluids. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. (n.d.). This study involved 1,420 people with mild to moderate COVID-19. Other common symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache and sudden loss of taste or smell. These nodes can cause a feeling of soreness when they become swollen or inflamed. The ZOE COVID Symptom Study in the United Kingdom has been tracking reports of COVID-19 cases and symptoms for scientific research. They can let you know how to care for yourself and may suggest that you get tested for COVID-19. Why Do I Have a Sore Throat but No Fever? (2021). You should seek immediate care if you have complications such as bleeding from your throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Shutterstock While the NHS states that a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell are signs of COVID, many. Yes, one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a sore throat. When the extra mucus accumulates and cant drain properly, the feeling of it dripping down your throat may be uncomfortable. (2013). However, a sore throat is only one of the symptoms that may develop due to COVID-19. It's more likely to be a symptom of COVID-19 if it's, Many health experts consider the use of face masks to be key in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All rights reserved. de Oliveria Lima CMA. Tooth abscess: Symptoms and causes. If you do have allergies, you're likely to experience other symptoms such as an itchy throat, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose, says Goldstein. They also seem to vary with the age of the person, the virus strain they have, and whether or not they have had a COVID-19 vaccination. Diarrhea. In the meantime, you can take a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), for symptom relief. This list does not include all possible symptoms. Find out what the symptoms are and what to do if they appear. Treatment for postnasal drip involves treating the underlying condition. If you have a sore throat and other COVID symptoms or you've possibly been exposed, get tested. Tonsillitis can be caused by various viruses or bacteria. When the cords become swollen or irritated, you might feel pain and notice that your voice sounds different. In some cases, this swelling is painful and can even make it difficult to swallow or breathe. Tonsillitis is when your tonsils are inflamed by a viral or bacterial infection. We avoid using tertiary references. This Is How to Tell if Your Sore Throat Is COVID, Doctors Say, The "Very Strange" Long COVID Symptom Experts Are Warning About, If You Have One of These COVID Symptoms, the CDC Says to Call 911, The Earliest Signs You Have COVID, According to Johns Hopkins, Dr. Fauci Just Said These 3 Things Are About to Make COVID Worse, This Is How to Tell If Your Cough Is COVID, Doctors Say, GERD patients usually experience acid reflux, 13.9 percent of COVID patients experience a sore throat, Click here for all Treatment of these abscesses may include: In more severe cases, your healthcare provider may need to drain the abscess or perform other, more invasive treatments. (2021). Overusing or misusing the voice can lead to lesions or sores on the vocal cords. When should I see a healthcare provider about a sore throat? The same is true for pharyngitis. Unlike the earlier virus variants, new research on the Omicron strain shows that people with seemingly mild symptoms like runny nose, headache, sneezing, and sore throat can have COVID-19. Laryngitis is an infection of the throat that centers on the larynx, or voice box. If your tonsilsor even just one of thembecomes enlarged or inflamed, you will know it. Cases set to break 200,000 [Press release]. An uncommonly common: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Other symptoms that may occur at some point during the infection include extreme fatigue, fever, body ache, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, loss of sense of smell, brain fog, and memory impairment. The Mayo Clinic says GERD patients usually experience acid reflux at least twice a week, which can be aggravated by smoking, eating large meals, eating late at night, eating fatty or fried foods, drinking alcohol or coffee, and taking certain medications like aspirin. A specific part of the throat may become more irritated by drainage. It can develop as a complication to tonsillitis and other infections, and is normally caused by Staphylococcus aureus(staph infection),Haemophilus influenzae(pneumonia and meningitis), and Group A hemolytic streptococci (GAS; common forstrep throator pharyngitis) bacteria. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? What does a COVID-19 sore throat feel like? If you have respiratory symptoms, then chances are it's a viral infection like COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sore throat is a COVID-19 symptom to watch for. Get tips for soothing a sore throat, such as gargling salt water, rucking lozenges, using a humidifier, drinking tea with honey, staying hydrated, and. The bodys lymph nodes act as filters, helping to identify and trap germs, such as viruses and bacteria, before they can infect other areas. This pocket of pus grows at the tip of the root of your tooth. Since there are so many things that can cause a sore throat, it can be a challenge to know if yours is COVID-related. Why does the COVID-19 vaccine cause lymph nodes to swell? A sore throat is just one of many symptoms you might experience with Omicron. Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, food with sharp edges, such as chips or crackers, endotracheal intubation, which is the insertion of a tube down the throat to help with breathing, pain or burning in the middle of the chest, the feeling of a lump or object in the throat, an inability to eat or drink because of the sore throat, swollen lymph nodes that get bigger as the sore throat feels better, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of the throat closing, a sore throat that goes away and comes back. However, the disease can cause dehydration, especially in young children. However, a sore throat is only one of. So if you find yourself having to clear your throat often, you could actually be dealing with a sore throat from allergies, not coronavirus. Could your sore throat be caused by acid reflux? Headache. There are several nonserious reasons for soreness on just one side of the throat, but there are also serious conditions that can create this symptom, too. Warm liquids like broths or tea with honey may help to soothe throat irritation and soreness. The first symptom of a peritonsillar abscess is usually a sore throat. According to experts, however, there are a few ways to tell if your sore throat is COVID or something else entirely. COVID-19 -related sore throat is relatively mild and lasts no more than 4-5 days. According to some studies, it seems to be less common than other COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and fatigue. You don't have any other coronavirus symptoms. What's Causing My Rash and Sore, Swollen Throat? Diagnosis of COVID-19 based on symptomatic analysis of hospital healthcare workers in Belgium: Observational study in a large Belgian tertiary care center during early COVID-19 outbreak. of our COVID-19 coverage. Last medically reviewed on November 2, 2017. New loss of taste or smell. According to the ZOE study, which includes inputs of symptom data from more than 4 million people globally, a COVID-19 sore throat can feel: The researchers also say that having a sore throat together with loss of smell is more likely to be COVID-19 than a regular cold with a sore throat. A tumor can cause soreness on one side of the throat. Tonsillitis develops when one or more of these tonsils becomes inflamed or infected, usually because of a viral or bacterial infection. Lymph nodes usually swell in the area near an infection. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Q. Sore throat. This is more common in children than adults. Loss of smell or taste. Galioto NJ. And for more on COVID complications, discover The "Very Strange" Long COVID Symptom Experts Are Warning About. The tonsils are round balls of lymphatic tissue in the back of your throat. (2021). A sore throat is a symptom of many common illnesses and conditions, so by itself, it may not indicate COVID-19. Its often triggered by swallowing and usually lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. Other symptoms may be more common signs of COVID-19. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Postnasal drip often irritates your throat, making it sore. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Alimohamadi Y, et al. This buildup is called tonsil stones. DOI: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/symptoms/con-20021262, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/definition/con-20021262, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/basics/definition/con-20026676, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/basics/symptoms/con-20026676, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/basics/definition/con-20021565, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/laryngitis/basics/symptoms/con-20021565, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/basics/treatment/con-20023538, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350907, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901, merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/cranial-nerve-disorders/glossopharyngeal-neuralgia, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/swollen-lymph-nodes, oregon.providence.org/health-library/t/tonsillitis/, health.harvard.edu/pain/trigeminal-neuralgia-tic-douloureux-. Omicron infections often start with a scratchy throat, doctors say evidence of the changing nature of COVID-19 symptoms. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { While you may have tonsillitis in more than one tonsil, it's possible that an abscess can form on just one. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This jaw pain is classified as "temporomandibular disorder" (TMD) Doctors believe the condition is likely caused by open-mouth . A person with a peritonsillar abscess requires urgent medical care. If you do have allergies, you're likely to experience other symptoms such as an itchy throat, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose, says Goldstein. Swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms of lymphoma. I'm absolutely terrified as for the past 3 weeks my right tonsil is visibly swollen and my right ear feels blocked. (2016). A joint report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese researchers found that only 13.9 percent of COVID patients experience a sore throat. Most people with COVID-19 get better within a few days to a few weeks after infection, so at least four weeks after infection is the start of when post-COVID conditions could first be identified. According to Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and medical advisor for Invigor Medical, if your sore throat is COVID, you're likely to experience more common symptoms such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, sputum production, and shortness of breath. Learn more, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Another study of 99 people found that it was only reported in 5 percent of cases. When the nose is congested, mucus and fluid drain down the back of the throat. In this article, we look at nine possible causes of a sore throat on one side. Although sore throat can be a sign of COVID-19, it is also a symptom of the flu and common cold. However, having a sore throat alone isn't the sign of being coronavirus positive. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while you recover. We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions According to the CDC, fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects. A peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is an infection of the head and neck that causes pus to collect next to the tonsils and pharynx (cavity behind the nose and mouth). Sometimes only one lymph node will swell, causing a sore throat on one side. Sore throat or pharyngitis is a type of upper respiratory tract infection. Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offices: Sore throat. If you have strep throat, for example, the lymph nodes in your neck may swell. Covid-19: Runny nose, headache, and fatigue are commonest symptoms of omicron, early data show. In some cases, however, an unusual cause may lead to your sore throat and call for more in-depth care. Symptoms needing urgent care include confusion, an inability to wake, uncoordinated movement or signs of stroke like facial drooping,. These can cause soreness on one or both sides of the throat. Both conditions are usually treated with medications used for neuropathic pain, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin), or pregabalin (Lyrica). A scratchy . It can cause severe pain that radiates to your jawbone and your ear on one side of your face. If a person has been in contact with someone who has the virus, they should get a test. This causes your throat to feel swollen and tender, and can even make it difficult and painful to swallow or talk. COVID-19 can cause lasting symptoms, complications, and distress, and doctors are still unsure of the full scope of the long-term effects. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); OSF Healthcare. Age may also be a factor in the type of COVID-19 symptoms you have. Bacterial tonsillitis usually resolves with antibiotic treatment. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You might only have throat pain, or you might have additional symptoms, such as an earache. (2021). 12 If you have a sore throat that doesn't go away after a week or develops on just one side, see your doctor and be tested for COVID-19 and other infections. The side effects are typically mild, last between 24-48 hours and are most commonly felt after the second dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) or the single Johnson & Johnson dose. Mayo Clinic Staff. Lasted about a week I think, but I did take paxlovid. In some cases, postnasal drip may only affect one side of your throat, including if the drip is caused by something lodged in the nose. Mayo Clinic Staff. The anatomy of the head and neck is very precise, but also extremely limited in space. COVID-19 might cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea either alone or with other COVID-19 symptoms. Came back in the rebound but much milder. How Does the Coronavirus and COVID-19 Spread? Some people also experience pain when swallowing. Can you have coronavirus (COVID-19) without a fever? However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear: an. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Research shows while fever and cough are the most common symptoms of COVID-19, sore throat can also be a sign of the illness. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. The simple answer: The only sure way to rule out COVID-19 is to get tested for it. Fortunately, you can rest assured that a sore throat alone is not actually that common a coronavirus symptom. And for warning signs to be aware of, If You Have One of These COVID Symptoms, the CDC Says to Call 911. COVID-19 Let's get the worst-case scenario out of the way. Its usually caused by overusing your voice, irritation, or a viral infection. as it pertains to all aspects of your daily life. A. Research indicates that fully vaccinated people usually show less severe symptoms than unvaccinated people. Examples include, trouble staying awake or difficulty waking up. (2015). Some people with COVID-19 may experience a sore throat due to swelling and irritation, known as laryngitis. A sore throat is a common reason to see a doctor. Most canker sores heal on their own within two weeks. In severe cases, it can interfere with breathing. In fact, a sudden lateral swelling of the neck can be caused by an acute inflammatory reaction due to various pathologies such as lateral neck cyst infection, neck abscess, or retropharyngeal abscess, soft-tissue edema, aneurysm, submandibular gland swelling, and thyroid or parathyroid gland diseases and laryngocele [ 3 ]. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Tonsillitis and tonsil stones. This is a common symptom among children and adults, and doesn't always lead to a visit with your healthcare provider. We also discuss when to see a doctor.. There's no evidence to support that a COVID sore throat differs from a sore throat caused by the flu or a common cold. Rest to help your bodys immune system fight off the infection. Per The Hill, several reports from the U.K. suggest that people infected with omicron said they had scratchy throats.. Grant MC, et al. There are many lymph nodes in your head and neck regions. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? However, if youre sick with an infection or have allergies, you tend to produce more mucus. To help your throat heal try drinking warm fluids, taking a hot shower, and gargling saltwater. April 2017;95(8):501-506. StatPearls. Dont hesitate to seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms like trouble breathing or chest pain. Aspen Green Review: Brand, Products, And More, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, red, swollen tonsils covered with patches of pus, nodes that are swollen for more than two weeks, nodes that are hard, fixed to the skin, or growing rapidly, swollen nodes close to the collarbone or lower part of the neck, tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck, abnormal, high-pitched breathing sounds (. Although canker sores form on mucus membranes, they can affect several areas, including your: Your lymph nodes are part of your immune system and, like your tonsils, can help your body clear bacteria and viruses. Laryngitis often heals on its own within a few weeks, but its best to rest your voice during this period. The most common symptoms other than a sore throat are: Because COVID-19 can present in varied ways, it can be tricky to know when to get a test. They may be benign or cancerous. Read our, What to Know About Lymph Nodes and Cancer, Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia and Trigeminal Neuralgia. How long does a one-sided sore throat last? Allergies. Headache. What Causes Dry Throat, and How Is It Treated? Sometimes, however, mucus production increases due to allergies, infections, or other causes. If you have a sore throat that isn't getting better or worsening after a week or so, talk to your healthcare provider. Your lymph nodes help your body fight off infections. These glands help your immune system clear bacteria and other pathogens from your body. Covid-19 appears to be one of many infections, from Ebola to strep throat, that can give rise to stubbornly persistent symptoms in an unlucky subset of patients. Youve probably had a sore throat many times before, so you know what to expect. Talk to your healthcare provider if your sore throat has developed alongside other digestive issues or indigestion. Sore throat. Sometimes tonsillitis only affects one tonsil, creating a sore throat on one side. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Impacted wisdom teeth: Definition. Illnesses, allergies, and acid reflux can all cause sore throats. Laryngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, also known as the voice box. Some of the most common experiencessuch as a minor, dry throat in the morningcan make you scared that you contracted the virus. The official . By Shauna Garivey. Benjamin F. Asher, MD, FACS, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. They can form on the inside of your cheeks, on or under your tongue, inside your lips, or in the top of your mouth near the back of your throat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to the above, they include runny nose, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Impacted wisdom teeth: Symptoms. A. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist will likely recommend removing them. Sore throat. Loretta Swit begged the writers to stop using it. Your doctor will likely use a needle or small incision to drain pus from the affected area. The similarity between COVID-19, cold, flu, and allergy symptoms can make it hard to determine what is causing them. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes the stomachs contents, including stomach acid, to back up into the food pipe and throat. Q. CDC updates and shortens recommended isolation and quarantine period for general population [Press release]. Fatigue, or muscle and body aches. The primary. Other symptoms, according to Alexandra Kreps, M.D., an internist at Tru Whole Care, include "changes in your voice, swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw area, and when looking at your tonsils . Congestion or runny nose. Two rounds of antibiotics and still no change. If a throat is sore on one side, the cause is usually a minor viral infection, such as the common cold. As they do this, the lymph nodes may swell up and become sore. Diarrhea. Respiratory viruses are inhaled, meaning they enter your nose and throat first. While a sore throat can be painful, it is usually not serious. A sore throat is one of the many potential symptoms of COVID-19, which is the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Keep reading to find out the signs your sore throat is not COVID, and for more symptoms to look out for, This Is How to Tell If Your Cough Is COVID, Doctors Say. Van Loon N, et al. Common treatments for more minor cases of tonsillitis include: Bacterial and viral infections that cause tonsillitis often affect the entire throat. However, if you have swelling in your lymph node that isn't going away, or keeps returning, your healthcare provider may need to check for other causes, such as lymphoma or other cancers. Sore throats can range from irritating to excruciating. Peritonsillar abscess. Mayo Clinic Staff. One European study of people hospitalized with COVID-19 found that 52.9% of participants experienced a sore throat. Most health institutions include sore throat in the list of COVID-19 symptoms. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. These sores can have many causes, such as: A burning sensation may come a day or two before the formation of a canker sore, and the sore will eventually form as a red or gray lesion with drainage. Mayo Clinic Staff. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people have reported pain and soreness on just one side of the throat. Find out what's causing your symptoms so you can treat as needed. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. You have two vocal cords in your larynx that normally open and close smoothly to make sound. If one cord is more irritated than the other, you may feel throat pain on only one side. Several systematic reviews have evaluated common COVID-19 symptoms. Canker sore: Symptoms. Learn more about the early symptoms of COVID-19 and when to seek help, here. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Research on the prevalence of sore throats in people with COVID-19 reports varying numbers. Many things can injure the back of the mouth or throat, including: If one side of the throat is sore from being scraped or burned, gargling with warm salt water may help to soothe symptoms. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. A tooth (periapical) abscess is a contained collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Glands in your nose and throat regularly produce 1 to 2 quarts of mucus a day. In most viral or bacterial illnesses, a sore throat feels as though it affects your entire throat. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. While a sore throat can be a symptom of COVID-19, the illness caused by a SARS-CoV-2 infection, it can also be a symptom of other common respiratory conditions. If you have bacterial tonsillitis, youll likely need an antibiotic from your doctor. A sore throat is one of the many potential symptoms of COVID-19, which is the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. From Common Symptoms to Testing Positive: My Coronavirus Journey. But if the pain is severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms, it may be an early indicator of a more serious condition. Pointing out that 75% of new cold-like symptoms are COVID-19, Steves and her team have called for the government in the United Kingdom to add symptoms like sore throat, headache, and runny nose to its list of symptoms as soon as possible. Strep infections usually cause pain on both sides of the throat. You may notice swollen lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits, or in your groin. Sore throat Runny nose Headache Chest pain But COVID-19 can cause symptoms you may not expect, including: Digestive symptoms. Common findings of the throat include redness, swelling and exudates (white patches). The ZOE Study, an initiative started by the ZOE Company and Kings College London, tracks self-reported COVID-19 symptoms through the COVID-19 Symptom Study app (iOS, Android). Tonsillitis: Treatment and drugs. For most sore throats, you should see your healthcare provider if your symptoms haven't improved after a week or so. Mayo Clinic Staff. However, it is important to see a doctor if the following symptoms also appear: Last medically reviewed on January 1, 2020. However, tonsillitis has some unique symptoms like enlarged lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, bad breath, and stiff neck that are not typically seen in patients with COVID-19. In these cases, the throat may only be sore on one side. Consider using over-the-counter medications to ease pain. When this happens, it might feel like all of that mucus is collecting in your throat. For 30 years, he has worked at Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic.