Yesterday my throat was feeling sore, and today my throat feels irritated and my nose feels kind of stuffy. im not completely sure if im sick though, but does covid start this way?

Yes, covid can start this way, especially in vaccinated persons. It can also just be another virus. Either way, the treatment is the same. Self isolate to prevent spread, drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, and eat light meals. Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain, fever and decongestant for stuffy nose. The infection, whatever the cause, should be over within 5-7 days.

Yes, would suggest testing and following regional regulations in case positive. The symptoms are pretty typical for the late variants and specifically if summer/ hot temperature where you live there are no known respiratory viruses with significant activity during summer. In case negative and symptoms worsening see your doc as bacterial infections, such as strep, for example, are still possible.