The novel coronavirus continues to circulate around the country, infecting thousands of people even as restrictions have ended across multiple states.
What to know: Getting infected with COVID-19 is still possible in the United States, despite high levels of natural immunity and protection from COVID-19 vaccines.
Symptoms: Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago Department of Public Health commissioner, said back in January that there was one common COVID-19 symptom people experienced early on during their infection — sore throat.
- “Especially in people who we’re seeing these more mild breakthrough infections, we are definitely seeing sore throat be a predictor in that group,” Arwady said, per NBC Chicago.
More early symptoms: Dr. Patricia Williams, a family medicine provider with Novant Health in North Carolina, told WFMY News during the omicron variant surge that the coronavirus has been focused on the upper respiratory areas.
- “Predominantly, my biggest complaint is a sore throat or scratchy throat,” Williams told WFMY News.
What to do: Experts maintain getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the COVID-19 booster shot is the best way to ward off any severe COVID-19 symptoms and keep yourself safe from the virus.