Your scratchy throat might be from COVID-19, not wildfire smoke

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho, and Boise specifically, is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases and it has the attention of state health leaders because it's earlier than expected.

"I do think it's going to get worse before it gets better," said Dr. Christine Hahn, epidemiologist and medical director for the Idaho Division of Public Health pointing out the additional viral spread caused by kids going back to school and holiday travel. "We can't predict how bad it is going to get but we do want people to be aware respiratory season is coming and what we are seeing now is the start of it."

Dr. Hahn said scientists and doctors are still trying to understand COVID-19's patterns.

"We are seeing a seasonal pattern like we do with the flu, and it's surging in fall and winter, but it [COVID-19] isn't really going away as much as we expect," she said.

Between July 7 and Aug. 7, the Boise wastewater data showed the amount of viral activity tripling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the data combined from all state wastewater testing put Idaho at a 'very high' viral activity level.

"A lot of people are saying they're starting off with a little scratchy throat," said Dr. Hahn. "They think it might be due to the smoke and heat that we've been experiencing and don't pay attention to it, but then that develops into a cold, then a cough and fever, and it really can take a downhill turn."

She suggested having COVID-19 test kits at home and finding out if you're eligible for antiviral treatment, so if you do end up feeling any symptoms of illness, you can test right away. If it tests positive, you can protect others from infection and seek medication.

Dr. Hahn says staying indoors more because of heat and poor quality caused by wildfire smoke could have contributed to the summer spike.

However,since being outside and breathing in unhealthy air can increase the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, she suggested taking precautions when around others indoors, considering how big of a crowd you are comfortable around and washing your hands often, especially if you have a high risk for severe infection.

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