Does a slightly sore throat mean I've tested positive for COVID-19?

The term "throat" refers to the pharynx. "Testing positive for COVID-19" means testing positive for the novel coronavirus. Generally, if there is slight throat pain accompanied by fever, it may indicate a positive test result for the novel coronavirus. However, if there is no accompanying fever, it may not be a positive result for the novel coronavirus. It is recommended to visit a hospital to determine the cause and follow medical advice for treatment. The analysis is as follows:

If throat pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, reduced sense of smell or taste, or difficulty breathing, especially if there has been recent contact with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus or being in an area with a high incidence of the virus, the possibility of a novel coronavirus infection should be considered. When the virus enters the respiratory system, it can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat, causing throat pain. Additionally, when patients experience dry cough, the throat pain may be exacerbated by severe coughing.

During seasonal transitions, changes in weather can make individuals more susceptible to pharyngitis, which presents as throat pain, dryness, and a foreign body sensation, but without the specific symptoms of COVID-19. In such cases, it is likely not a positive test result for the novel coronavirus.

In daily life, maintaining good personal hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and keeping social distance, can help prevent the spread of various respiratory diseases.