DoxyPEP: Using antibiotics to prevent STIs

Persistent Sore Throat? It Could Be A Sign Of STI: 5 Uncommon Symptoms To Watch Out For

We've all had those scratchy throats and reached for honey, ginger, or warm tea to soothe the irritation. It's common to assume it's just a cold, allergies, or the effects of weather changes. But what if your persistent sore throat isn't just a typical seasonal infection? Surprisingly, in some cases, a persistent sore throat can be a symptom of something more serious – like a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Let's break down how certain STIs, particularly those transmitted through oral sex, could present in ways you might not expect.

To understand why a sore throat may be linked to an STI and five other uncommon symptoms you should know about, OnlyMyHealth team interacyed with Dr Roohi Pirzada, Consultant Physician, MBBS, Mumbai. 

1. Persistent Sore Throat

A sore throat that doesn't go away despite treatment could indicate an underlying infection. One such possibility is oral gonorrhoea, caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Oral sex can transmit this infection, leading to symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. Although many associate STIs primarily with the genital area, oral STIs are becoming increasingly common due to changes in sexual practices.

 

Dr Roohi Pirzada, "If you have a sore throat, it's more likely a virus than a bacterial infection. However, if bacteria are responsible, it's usually Streptococcus rather than Staphylococcus." She emphasises that throat swabs often isolate the beta-hemolytic Streptococcus strain, which is treatable with antibiotics.

While most sore throats are not related to STIs, it's essential to consider the possibility if the discomfort persists beyond the typical duration, especially in those with high-risk behaviours.

Also read: Only Condoms Can't Protect You From STIs, Here Are 6 Things That Can help

2. Unexplained Genital Sores

Genital sores that appear without any apparent cause are another uncommon symptom of STIs, such as herpes or syphilis. These sores may not cause immediate pain, making it easy for individuals to ignore them. However, they can serve as a significant sign of infection. It's crucial to avoid sharing personal items like towels, glasses, or utensils, as indirect transmission is possible, even though it is rare.

"Don't share glasses or utensils. Proper hygiene, like washing hands, can prevent the spread of bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes which colonises the pharynx, anus, and genital mucosa," advises Dr Pirzada. This bacteria, although treatable, can cause severe complications if ignored.

3. Skin Rash

STIs such as syphilis often manifest through an unusual rash on various parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash may appear days or weeks after the initial infection, sometimes fading and reappearing later. If left untreated, syphilis can cause more severe health issues down the line.

4. Painful Urination

Painful or burning sensations during urination are common indicators of a STD like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. These infections irritate the urinary tract, leading to discomfort. While this symptom is more commonly discussed, people sometimes dismiss it as a urinary tract infection (UTI). If the pain persists, it's essential to get tested for STIs.

Also read: Healthy Practices To Curb The Spread Of STIs

5. Unusual Discharge

Both men and women can experience unusual discharge due to STIs. For men, this may involve discharge from the penis, while for women, it could mean abnormal vaginal discharge. The texture, colour, or smell may be noticeably different. If you observe any changes, it's important to seek medical advice promptly.

6. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, groyne, or armpits, can indicate an ongoing infection, including STIs. When paired with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of oral gonorrhoea. Dr Pirzada recommends, "Cover your mouth, and teach children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze." This simple act can prevent infections from spreading further, especially in close-knit environments.

Prevention and Awareness

Prevention is the key to avoiding STIs. Simple measures like washing hands, maintaining good hygiene, and not sharing personal items can reduce the risk of infections. "Improving hygiene and housing quality may also help reduce transmission rates," says Dr Pirzada.

Conclusion

Recognising uncommon STI symptoms can help in early detection and treatment, preventing complications. If you experience a persistent sore throat, unexplained sores, or other symptoms mentioned, don't hesitate to get tested. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.

Disclaimer

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Chlamydia Often Doesn't Show Symptoms - Here Are The Best Ways To Tell If You Have This Serious STI

Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, rarely causes symptoms, which means it can go undettected for a long time.

Left untreated, chlamydia can cause long-term complications, including infertility in women.

Getting tested frequently if you're sexually active and practicing safe sex are the best ways to prevent contracting chlamydia.

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Symptoms of chlamydia can include discharge from the vagina or penis, discomfort while urinating, and pain in the pelvic region. However, less than 30% of people infected with chlamydia show symptoms. It is referred to as a "silent" infection because most people who have it tend to be asymptomatic.

Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. "If left untreated, it can cause serious long-term complications," says Krishna Kakani, MD, who has her own OB/GYN practice in Huntsville, Alabama. So getting tested regularly and seeking treatment if you have chlamydia are super important even if you aren't having symptoms.

Here's what you need to know about chlamydia and how to treat it.

How do you know if you have chlamydia?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can get chlamydia via unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has it.

"It's entirely possible to have chlamydia and not know it, because most people are asymptomatic. Even if you do have symptoms, they may not appear until several weeks after your sexual encounter," says Kakani. The symptoms may persist or disappear in a few days, but that may not mean the infection has gone. The infection can still harm you if you are asymptomatic.

The symptoms of chlamydia can vary among women and men.

If you have a vagina, you may experience symptoms such as:

Vaginal discharge or bleeding in between menstrual periods

Pain or a burning sensation while urinating

Abdominal pain

Pain during sexual intercourse

Increased frequency of urination

Rectal discharge or bleeding

If you have a penis, you may experience symptoms such as:

Unusual discharge from the penis

Pain or a burning sensation while urinating

Pain or swelling in the genitals

Increased frequency of urination

Rectal discharge or bleeding

You can also get chlamydia in the throat, which can give you a sore throat; however, it often doesn't cause any symptoms at all.

While all sexually active people could get chlamydia, it is especially common among women between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends that you get tested for chlamydia every year, especially if you are:

A woman below the age of 25 who is sexually active.

A woman above the age of 25 with multiple sexual partners, or if you or your partner have had an STI before.

A man who has male sexual partners.

"Chlamydia tests are typically urine tests that require you to provide a urine sample. Your doctor may also do a swab test, by using a cotton swab to obtain a fluid sample from the infected area," says Kakani.

How do you treat chlamydia?

Chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a single dose, or a seven-day course depending on certain factors like your age, which parts of your body are affected, and whether or not you're pregnant. Your symptoms should clear up within a few days; however it is recommended that you complete the course and abstain from sexual activity for a minimum of seven days, to avoid passing the infection on to your partner.

If your symptoms don't clear up within a week, you should see your doctor again. You should also get tested again in three months, because reinfection is common when it comes to chlamydia. Reinfection can happen if, for example, you have been tested and treated for chlamydia but your partner hasn't been. Having multiple instances of chlamydia can result in serious long-term complications, for people with vaginas especially.

A chlamydia infection can persist for several months if it's not treated. Failure to treat it in the early stages can raise your risk of long-term complications.

The only 100% effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia is to refrain from sexual activity. However, if you are sexually active, you can lower your risk of getting the infection by:

Using condoms

Limiting your sexual partners

Avoiding douching, since it eliminates some of the healthy bacteria in your vagina and can increase your risk of getting infections like chlamydia

What happens if you have chlamydia for too long?

The long-term complications that can result from chlamydia include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease, in people with vaginas: The infection could spread upward through your reproductive system and cause permanent damage to your uterus or fallopian tubes. Apart from being very painful, pelvic inflammatory disease can also make it difficult for you to conceive, or result in pregnancies outside the womb, which can be life-threatening. Chlamydia doesn't usually cause infertility in people with penises.

Pregnancy complications, if you are already pregnant: Chlamydia could cause your baby to arrive early. It could also cause pneumonia and conjunctivitis in your newborn.

HIV: Having chlamydia can raise your risk of getting HIV.

Reactive arthritis: The chlamydia infection can trigger an arthritic reaction in your body.

It's important to note that while antibiotic medication can treat the infection and its symptoms, it cannot undo any of the other damage the infection has caused.

Insider's takeaway

Chlamydia is a common infection that can be treated easily: however, since it often doesn't show any symptoms, you may not realize you have it. Left untreated, chlamydia can result in serious health problems, including infertility in women. Therefore, if you're sexually active, it's important to get tested for it regularly - once a year, at least - even if you don't have any symptoms.

Does COVID-19 Cause A Sore Throat?

A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID-19, but it's generally not one of the most common. Other symptoms include a cough, fever, chills, headache, loss of smell or taste, and muscle pain. Inflammation caused by COVID, as well as coughing and post-nasal drip, may irritate the throat.

A sore throat has many possible causes, and treatment depends on the probable cause. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have COVID.

A sore throat due to COVID might feel: Dry Painful when you swallow Scratchy or itchy Other cold or respiratory infection symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness (raspy voice) suggest a viral infection—as opposed to strep throat, for example. The only way to truly know if your sore throat is due to COVID is to test for the virus. A sore throat results from inflammation, which is caused by COVID. Other COVID symptoms like coughing and phlegm in the throat (post-nasal drip) can also irritate the throat. A sore throat can be a symptom of COVID, but it's not present in all cases. Other, more common COVID symptoms include: Cough Dyspnea (shortness of breath) Fatigue Fever and chills Sore throat A sore throat might be more common in the Omicron variant than in the Delta variant. One longitudinal study of over 63,000 people found a sore throat in 70% of Omicron cases versus 60% of Delta cases. A sore throat might be much less prevalent than that. One systematic review of over 114,000 people found a sore throat in only about 14% of COVID cases. A sore throat will last as long as other COVID symptoms—up to about two weeks. Some evidence suggests that a sore throat might last about six days, but this will vary from person to person. Coughing can irritate the throat, so having a persistent cough might prolong a sore throat. A sore throat is not commonly a symptom of long COVID, or symptoms that last for four weeks or longer. Having a sore throat might increase the risk of developing long COVID. A sore throat can be a sign of COVID, but it does not mean you have the virus. Sore throat is a very common and non-specific symptom, meaning it's self-reported and does not indicate a specific disease. It will feel relatively the same whether you have a cold, the flu, COVID, or even strep throat. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can cause a sore throat include: Gonorrhea or chlamydia: Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Herpes simplex virus: A viral infection that can cause oral sores Mononucleosis (mono): A viral infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Respiratory viruses: Rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold), adenovirus, and the influenza virus Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat): A bacterial infection caused by bacteria group A Streptococcus Tonsillitis: A viral infection that causes inflamed and swollen tonsils Other possible causes of a sore throat include: Allergies Dry, hot air Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into your esophagus Inhaling smoke or other irritants (e.G., smog) Stress Tumor It can be difficult to determine whether a sore throat is COVID-related based solely on the symptom alone. Here's how to tell the difference between COVID and other respiratory illnesses: Allergies: Allergies typically cause itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. COVID, in contrast, may cause a fever, body aches, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are not common with allergies. Common cold: COVID may cause a fever, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath, which are not common with a cold. Flu: Flu symptoms typically develop quicker than COVID symptoms. The flu can present within one to four days of infection, while COVID may develop within two to 14 days. Strep throat: Strep throat may cause a high fever, whereas COVID causes a cough and runny nose. A sore throat often resolves on its own unless the infection is severe. Home remedies that may ease discomfort include: Drinking warm tea or lemon water with honey Gargling with warm salt water—about 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) salt in 1 cup of water—several times daily Trying throat lozenges Using a humidifier or breathing in steam from a hot shower You may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat COVID. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and (ibuprofen) are likely effective and generally safe for adults and children over the age of 2. SARS-CoV-2, or the virus that causes COVID, is a respiratory virus. The mechanisms of upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTI) work the same as other respiratory virus symptoms. OTC medications that work for a sore throat caused by a URTI will likely work for one caused by COVID. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you think you might have strep throat, which usually requires antibiotics to treat. Symptoms include: Fever Sudden, very sore throat (especially when swallowing) Red and swollen tonsils with possible white patches Small red spots on the roof of your mouth Other symptoms that warrant reaching out to a healthcare provider include: Dehydration Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) Excessive drooling (in young children) Rash A sore throat can be a sign of COVID, but it's a relatively rare symptom compared to others, like a cough and fever. A sore throat is a non-specific symptom, meaning there are many possible causes. The only way to know whether it's due to COVID is to test for the virus. A sore throat generally resolves on its own, but a more severe infection might require treatment. You can use home remedies like gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids, using a humidifier, and taking OTC pain relievers as needed to relieve pain. The information in this story is accurate as of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.

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