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

Sore throat accompanied by muscle pain and hand numbness?

Hello Doctor, I experienced mild nasal discharge and a sore throat on Monday.
There was no fever or cough.
I also had muscle aches, occasional numbness in my hands and feet, and swollen lymph nodes in my neck.
By Wednesday, the sore throat and nasal discharge had alleviated, but I still have intermittent numbness in my palms.
It does not significantly affect my activities, but it is noticeably uncomfortable.
I would like to ask the doctor if these symptoms are related to COVID-19? Should I get tested? Or do I need to undergo a neurological examination? Or is it just a simple cold? Thank you!

Ms. 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, which are not necessarily related to the COVID-19 virus.
It is recommended to first consult a family medicine or infectious disease clinic for evaluation.
Intermittent numbness in the palms should be assessed by a physician, and if deemed necessary, a referral to a neurologist for further evaluation can be made.

Reply Date: 2020/08/05

More Info

Based on your symptoms and the timeline you've provided, it seems that you're experiencing a combination of mild respiratory symptoms (such as a sore throat and runny nose) along with muscle pain and intermittent numbness in your hands. While these symptoms can indeed be associated with both influenza and COVID-19, there are some important distinctions to consider.

Firstly, the presence of a sore throat and nasal symptoms without fever or cough suggests that you might be dealing with a mild upper respiratory infection, which could be viral in nature. Common colds, caused by various viruses, often present with similar symptoms. However, the muscle pain and numbness you're experiencing are noteworthy and warrant further consideration.

Muscle pain (myalgia) can be a symptom of many viral infections, including both influenza and COVID-19. In the case of COVID-19, myalgia is often accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. The fact that you do not have a fever or cough makes it less likely that you are experiencing a typical case of COVID-19, but it does not completely rule it out, especially given the variability of symptoms associated with the virus.

The intermittent numbness in your hands is particularly concerning. While it could be related to muscle strain or tension, it could also indicate a neurological issue, especially if it persists. Numbness can arise from various causes, including nerve compression, vitamin deficiencies, or even anxiety. If this symptom continues or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation, which may include neurological assessments.

Given the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to get tested for COVID-19, especially since the virus can present with atypical symptoms. A PCR test would provide a more definitive answer than a rapid test, particularly if you are in an area with high transmission rates or have had potential exposure to someone with COVID-19.

In summary, while your symptoms may align with a mild viral infection, the combination of sore throat, muscle pain, and numbness suggests that further investigation is warranted. Testing for COVID-19 is recommended to rule it out, and if the numbness persists, a consultation with a neurologist may be beneficial. In the meantime, ensure you stay hydrated, rest, and monitor your symptoms closely. If you develop new symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.

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