Since its emergence in 2019, COVID-19 has continued to surprise researchers and patients alike with its vast range of symptoms. While the respiratory system remains the primary target, one area that has consistently drawn attention is the throat. From initial discomfort to long-term complications, the throat can reveal a lot about how COVID-19 is affecting your body. In this article, we’ll take a close look at what a COVID sore throat feels like, explore some of the more unusual symptoms people report, discuss the sensation of throat constriction, and highlight the throat-related problems that may linger after recovery.
What Is a COVID Sore Throat Like?
A sore throat is often one of the earliest signs of COVID-19 infection, especially with newer variants like Omicron and its subvariants. Unlike a typical sore throat from a cold or seasonal allergy, a COVID sore throat is frequently described as:
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Burning or scratchy: Many individuals liken it to swallowing glass or razor blades—sharp and persistent.
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Severe upon waking: The pain can be more pronounced in the morning, possibly due to dry mouth or mouth breathing overnight.
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Without nasal congestion: Unlike a traditional cold, COVID sore throats can occur without a runny nose or post-nasal drip, which is unusual.
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Sudden in onset: The throat pain can appear abruptly, sometimes even before a fever or cough.
It’s also worth noting that during early infections, the throat discomfort might be accompanied by hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, even if the person has no other symptoms like coughing or sneezing. This makes it a potentially deceptive symptom—one that might lead someone to think they simply caught a minor cold or experienced irritation from dry air.
Weird and Unexpected COVID-19 Symptoms
Beyond the classic symptoms like cough, fever, and fatigue, COVID-19 has a reputation for triggering a variety of odd and unexpected symptoms. While each person’s experience is different, some of the more unusual throat-related and adjacent symptoms include:
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Globus sensation: A feeling of a lump in the throat, which can persist without any visible swelling or obstruction.
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Loss of voice: Laryngitis, or inflammation of the vocal cords, is sometimes observed, leading to a temporary voice change or complete voice loss.
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Sudden dry mouth: Some individuals report a complete lack of saliva, possibly tied to how the virus affects the salivary glands.
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Metallic taste or no taste at all: This can occur even before other symptoms and often accompanies sore throat complaints.
Outside the throat, people have reported symptoms like “COVID toes” (swollen, discolored toes), dizziness, brain fog, and even hallucinations or altered time perception—highlighting the virus’s wide-ranging impact on the nervous system and beyond.
Can COVID Make You Feel Like Your Throat Is Closing?
One of the more distressing experiences reported by some COVID patients is the sensation that the throat is closing. While this is rarely due to actual physical obstruction or swelling, it’s a very real feeling with several possible causes:
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Viral inflammation: COVID-19 can inflame tissues in the upper respiratory tract, leading to tightness or pressure in the throat.
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Anxiety and panic attacks: The psychological toll of illness, isolation, and breathing issues can heighten anxiety, which in turn can mimic or amplify the sensation of throat constriction.
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Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD): This condition, sometimes triggered by illness or stress, causes the vocal cords to close when they should open. It can feel like choking or suffocation.
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Silent reflux: Some COVID patients develop gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux, which can irritate the throat and create a sensation of closing or tightness.
If this symptom persists or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation. While often benign and anxiety-related, in rare cases, it could signal a more serious issue such as a secondary bacterial infection or an allergic reaction.
Throat Problems After COVID-19: Lingering and Long-Term Effects
The acute phase of COVID-19 may pass, but for many, the aftermath continues to affect daily life. Long COVID—defined as symptoms persisting for weeks or months after infection—can include a range of throat and voice issues. Common post-COVID throat problems include:
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Persistent hoarseness: Often due to prolonged coughing or inflammation, hoarseness can linger even when other symptoms resolve.
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Throat tightness or discomfort: Similar to the globus sensation, this can occur sporadically or continuously for weeks.
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Dry throat and cough: Ongoing irritation can lead to a chronic dry cough, especially in dry environments or when talking for long periods.
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Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): In some cases, damage to the muscles or nerves involved in swallowing can make it harder to eat and drink normally.
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Voice fatigue: Some people find they tire easily when speaking, especially after prolonged illness or ventilator support in severe cases.
Rehabilitation for these symptoms may include speech therapy, hydration strategies, breathing exercises, and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or treatment for acid reflux.
What Should You Do If You Experience Throat Symptoms?
If you suspect your sore throat may be COVID-related, it’s important to take action early. Here’s what to do:
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Test promptly: Rapid antigen or PCR tests can help confirm whether COVID-19 is the cause.
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Isolate and monitor: If positive, isolate to prevent spread, and monitor your symptoms closely, especially if you feel your throat is closing or you have trouble breathing.
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Seek medical care if needed: Unusual throat pain, swelling, or ongoing hoarseness should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms persist more than two weeks.
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Hydrate and rest: Warm teas, throat lozenges, and humidifiers can provide comfort while your body fights the virus.
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Follow up on long COVID symptoms: If throat discomfort, voice changes, or difficulty swallowing persist beyond the acute illness, consult an ENT specialist or speech-language pathologist.
Final Thoughts
COVID-19 has continually reshaped our understanding of viral illnesses, and the role it plays in throat-related symptoms is a key piece of the puzzle. From burning sore throats to phantom choking sensations and lasting post-recovery effects, the virus doesn’t hold back. Fortunately, awareness is the first step to managing symptoms effectively. By paying attention to what your body is telling you—and seeking support when needed—you can navigate these challenges with greater clarity and care.
