Don’t Just Say “It’s a Cold”: Why Your Severe Sore Throat Needs a Closer Look This Season

As the familiar rhythm of fall settles in—with students back in classrooms and offices fully staffed—we’re also seeing the expected rise in respiratory illnesses: the common cold, the flu, and RSV. However, a crucial piece of the puzzle that is too often being dismissed is COVID-19.

At Centrum Pharmacy, we are committed to being your most accessible healthcare resource. As new variants emerge, we want to ensure our community knows exactly what to watch for and how we can help.

The New Symptom to Watch: The “Razor Blade Sore Throat”

The latest dominant Omicron sub-variants, including the prevalent ‘stratus’ strain, are increasingly replicating in the throat lining. This is leading to a distinct and painful first symptom that medical sources are calling the “razor blade sore throat.”

It’s easy to immediately assume it’s Strep throat or a bad cold, but current data shows a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in our community. In the week ending September 13, 2025, COVID-19 detections were significantly higher than both influenza and RSV. This new, severe sore throat should now be a major prompt for considering a COVID-19 test.

Why Patients Might Be Dismissing Symptoms (and Why They Shouldn’t)

It is understandable that, years into the pandemic, risk perception has changed. Many now view COVID-19 as “just a bad cold.” This shift in attitude, coupled with pervasive misinformation, contributes to dangerously low updated vaccine uptake.

For Certain Patients, the Delay is Dangerous:

1. Asthma Patients: If you have asthma, you might assume a new cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath is “just your asthma” flaring up. It could be COVID-19. The infection itself can significantly worsen airway inflammation, triggering a severe exacerbation.
2. Immunocompromised Patients: If your immune system is compromised (either by a condition or therapy), your symptoms may be deceptively mild. Fever and strong inflammatory signs can be muted. Fatigue, cough, or subtle changes in your baseline health can be the only clues.

A delay in testing and diagnosis for these groups can be critical, as it may cost them the crucial window for time-sensitive antiviral treatments.

The Pharmacist’s Indispensable Role

Centrum Pharmacy is uniquely positioned to help protect you and our community:

• Symptom Recognition & Testing: We are here to listen to your symptoms, particularly that severe sore throat, and help you determine the need for COVID-19 testing. Early testing is the gateway to early treatment.
• Vaccination Counselling: Only a small percentage of Canadians have received the recommended updated COVID-19 vaccine. We provide professional, evidence-based advice on vaccination to help you protect yourself and others, reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and Long COVID.
• Safe Antiviral Prescribing: If you test positive and are eligible for an antiviral prescription (like Paxlovid), our pharmacists are your drug interaction experts. COVID-19 treatments carry complex drug-drug interactions. We review your full medication history to ensure safe prescribing, a role that is simply irreplaceable.

Don’t dismiss a bad sore throat or a subtle change in your chronic condition. Visit Centrum Pharmacy. The virus is still here, and we are here to help you navigate it safely.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.