A COVID-19 sore throat typically feels like mild to moderate pain or discomfort, especially when swallowing or talking. It can cause a dry, scratchy sensation and may make the throat appear red. Sometimes, the pain can be described as burning, even more intense than with strep throat

. The sore throat often appears early in the course of the infection and may worsen over the first few days. It is frequently accompanied by other COVID symptoms such as fever, cough (usually dry), fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, congestion, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea

. Unlike bacterial sore throats like strep throat, a COVID sore throat is viral and usually comes with respiratory symptoms and systemic signs like fatigue and loss of smell or taste. It may also be associated with swollen lymph nodes or ear pain due to the connection between the throat and ear

. In some cases, a sore throat can be the only symptom of COVID-19, but more often it occurs alongside other symptoms, which helps distinguish it from a common cold or other illnesses

Summary of COVID-19 sore throat sensations:

• Mild to moderate pain or burning sensation
• Dry, scratchy throat
• Pain worsens with swallowing or talking
• Throat may look red
• Often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell
• Can be associated with ear pain or swollen lymph nodes

This combination of symptoms and progression helps differentiate a COVID sore throat from other causes of sore throat