Sore Throat with Muscle Pain and Numbness: Flu or COVID-19?

Sore throat accompanied by muscle pain and numbness in the hands?

Hello Doctor, I started experiencing mild nasal discharge and a sore throat on Monday, without fever or cough.
I also had muscle aches and occasional numbness in my hands and feet, along with swollen lymph nodes in my neck.
By Wednesday, both the sore throat and nasal discharge had improved, but I still have intermittent numbness in my palms.
It doesn't significantly affect my activities, but it is noticeably uncomfortable.
I would like to ask if these symptoms are related to COVID-19? Should I get tested, or do I need to undergo a neurological examination? Or could this simply be a common cold? Thank you!

Miss Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/05

Dr. Yang Zongyan reply Influenza

Upper respiratory infections caused by viral infections can lead to these symptoms, so they are not necessarily related to the COVID-19 virus.
It is recommended to first seek evaluation from a family medicine or infectious disease clinic.
For intermittent numbness in the palms, if the physician believes further evaluation by a neurologist is necessary after the consultation, then you should schedule an appointment with a neurologist.

Reply Date: 2020/08/05

More Info

Based on your symptoms of a sore throat, mild nasal congestion, muscle soreness, and intermittent numbness in your hands and feet, it is essential to consider several factors to determine whether these symptoms are related to COVID-19, the flu, or another condition.

Firstly, the presence of a sore throat and nasal congestion without fever or cough could suggest a mild upper respiratory infection, which may be viral in nature. Common cold viruses, including rhinoviruses, can cause these symptoms. However, the intermittent numbness and muscle soreness you describe are less typical for a straightforward cold and may warrant further investigation.

COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms, including sore throat, muscle pain, and neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Although your symptoms are mild and do not include the more classic signs of COVID-19, such as a persistent cough or fever, it is still advisable to get tested, especially considering the ongoing prevalence of the virus. A PCR test or rapid antigen test can help rule out COVID-19 as a cause of your symptoms.

The involvement of lymph nodes in your neck suggests that your body is responding to an infection, which could be viral or bacterial. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) often accompanies infections, and while it is common in viral infections, it can also occur in bacterial infections. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or difficulty breathing, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.

Regarding the intermittent numbness in your hands, this could be related to several factors, including nerve compression, poor circulation, or even anxiety. If the numbness continues, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider for a neurological evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions, especially if you have risk factors for neurological issues.

In summary, while your symptoms could be consistent with a mild viral infection, including the flu or a common cold, the combination of muscle soreness and numbness suggests that further evaluation may be necessary. Testing for COVID-19 is recommended to rule it out, and if symptoms persist or worsen, a visit to a healthcare provider for a thorough examination and possibly neurological assessment would be advisable.
In the meantime, ensure you stay hydrated, rest adequately, and monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any new or concerning symptoms, such as significant weakness, persistent numbness, or changes in your ability to move, seek medical attention promptly.

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