While COVID and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are caused by completely different things. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. Bishop S. (2013). Allergies are also treated with antihistamines. A key difference between the common cold and COVID-19 is the incubation period (time of exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms). Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. And this reflects what doctors across the country are now seeing firsthand with their patients. You might be able to get an over-the-counter test at your local pharmacy or have a test performed at a local health clinic or pharmacy that is sent off to a lab. While COVID cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. Still, doctors have noticed a clear gradient of symptoms based on a person's vaccination status. Most people dont require special treatment for the common cold, and theres no vaccine or outright cure. But this apparent change in the disease that a severe infection in the lungs doesn't seem as common means fewer people need supplemental oxygen or intubation. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the infection. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? Doctors try not to prescribe antibiotics unless they are definitely necessary because the over-prescription of antibiotics contributes to the rise of bacteria that is resistant to these drugs. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. "Their symptoms are resolved. Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. Sinus infection (sinusitis). Your provider may prescribe antibiotics if your symptoms last longer than 10 to 14 days. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? The lists of symptoms below are just a starting point and do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or a sinus infection. But it has taken longer to untangle what, if anything, sets an omicron illness apart from that of its predecessors. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infectionsverydifferently. This leads to mucus buildup. Although that could definitely still happen with omicron, the risk appears to be lower than it was with delta. Even though early data shows that omicron is milder than delta, many hospitals are packed because the sheer number of people getting infected is enormous. Were swabbing everyone at my clinic with a respiratory viral panel, which is the same COVID swab, but in addition to COVID, it tells you what virus you have, such as rhinovirus (common cold) or a number of other respiratory viruses; even the flu.. "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that persists beyond a few days. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. They're napping more.". Last medically reviewed on November 20, 2018, A sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen, infected, or inflamed. The three symptoms outlined by the NHS include a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell. It offers a comprehensive look at how COVID-19 symptoms have changed over the course of the pandemic most notably, with the advent of the Delta and Omicron variants. Ways that you can deal with a mild COVID infection at home include: If you are hospitalized with COVID, you might be given: There are certain things you can do to prevent sinus infections and protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus. Also, the more stressed you are, the more likely you may experience more severe symptoms or a longer duration of illness. We've all experienced a cold before and it is no fun. Like the science and discovery news you find here? Indeed, hospitalizations across the U.S. now stand at more than 126,000, and more than 1 in every 4 ICU beds is filled with a COVID-19 patient, according to the latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are usually taken for short-term relief. Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. They are highly contagious, with younger children, seniors, those with respiratory conditions, and those with compromised immunity more prone. Discover risk factors such as sinus infections. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, What to Know About Pneumonia and COVID-19. The omicron subvariant of COVID-19, BA.5, became one of the dominant strains of the virus in the fall of 2022 in the U.S. At that time, it was the most easily spread strain to date and is able to evade immunity from COVID infection and vaccination. The symptoms of sinus infection tend to come on . Colds are usually transmitted via coughed or exhaled droplets or infected surfaces. Typically we allow 7 to 10 days for an acute sinus infection to resolve on its own, but after this point antibiotics or anti-inflammatories or other specialized medications may be needed. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . The treatments for a sinus infection and COVID are very different. By contrast, fatigue became more pronounced among outpatients, who often reported feeling tired and achy, Moreno said. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. Differences. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. Some steps that you can take will help reduce your risk of either condition, but each also has specific precautions that will help lower your risk. A sinus infection occurs when viruses or bacteria cause inflammation and fluid buildup inside your sinuses. Her symptoms were similar like a terrible sinus infection and congestion. Its thought that the initial site of COVID-19 entry for most patients is the nasal passages. Both conditions can cause nasal inflammation, along with related symptoms, such as congestion and stuffy nose. If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. It's inflammation or swelling of your sinuses. Typical signs of the common cold include: If the symptoms last longer than 10 days, its likely your cold has progressed to a complication or another illness is causing them. Normally they're filled with air. They need to sleep. In particular, Xu and her team observed a similar reduction in risk across all age groups, including children under age 5, who are not eligible for vaccination, and children ages 5 to 15, who may have been vaccinated but haven't been boosted. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. While it's easy to try and work through it, symptoms of respiratory illnesses like the common cold and sinus infection should never be taken lightly. congestion or runny nose. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. There are differences, but step one if you start to feel bad is to get a COVID test.. They can run tests to determine whether or not you have COVID, a sinus infection, or another condition. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. Runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat were the top five symptoms among people in the UK who recorded a positive COVID-19 test in the past few weeks. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If you have allergies, figuring out your triggers and trying to avoid them will help prevent a flare-up of symptoms that could lead to a sinus infection. "In this period, we still have delta circulating in the community. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. (By contrast, with the original version of the virus, the rate was 1 in 10. Allergy medications wont get rid of sinus infections, though. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. And unlike the common cold, sinus infections can be of both viral and bacterial origin. Sinusitis can occur at any time of the year, but it tends to flare up in cold and flu season and during allergy seasons. The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. While you can take an at-home COVID-19 test, these are not 100% accurate. Itchy, Red Eyes? So how can you tell the difference? While there is a range of COVID symptoms, some of the most common include: Several symptoms of COVID overlap with those of a sinus infection, which means you will not be able to be sure of which condition you have by how you feel alone. A study from the U.K. government, published last week, found that three doses of vaccine cuts the risk of hospitalization due to omicron by about 80% compared with a person who's not vaccinated at all. This can mean a cold or infection that's progressing. While mild fever may accompany early onset of the cold and is common in children or infants with it, its not a typical feature of this illness in adults. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. Several types of COVID tests are available. Read our. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. However really anyone is susceptible to sinusitis every once in a while. Medicinal treatment methods vary depending on if the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. doi:10.1177/0194599815572097. Two recent lab studies, which haven't been peer-reviewed, suggested that Omicron could be less effective at attacking lung cells compared with prior variants. If you develop any respiratory symptoms and they do not seem to be getting better, its important to see your doctor. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. One of the key differences is the itchiness of your eyes and skin that can occur with allergies, as well as the thick, yellow or green nasal discharge thats notable with sinusitis. Most of those patients were vaccinated, he said, so their symptoms tended to be milder and relatively short-lived. Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. The rapid ones are getting better and better as far as accuracy goes. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. However, bacterial sinusitis cant be transmitted from person to person. Before Omicron, Moreno said, his COVID-19 patients used to feel sick for about 10 to 14 days. nausea or vomiting. You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. Persisting " sinus headache " affecting the frontal and ethmoid sinus areas (regions between the eyes and up onto the forehead) is the most common symptom following bacterial-negative COVID sinusitis. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Lately, he said, people who received a booster shot reported shorter bouts of illness than those who received fewer doses or none at all. The severe sore throat is often still. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. Loss of your sense of taste and smell sometimes accompanies a sinus infection. And a small study from Norway found that, among . This article explains how to tell the difference between a a sinus infection and COVID-19. Another not-yet-peer-reviewed study, published on Wednesday, found that Omicron inherently reduced the risk of severe hospitalization or death from COVID-19 by 25% compared with Delta. Scientists aren't sure why COVID-19 symptoms are changing. Suffering from a sinus infection? Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. With omicron, the symptoms also come on more quickly once you're infected. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. Vaccines help reduce the severity of disease, but Omicron may be a less virulent virus on its own. It also details treatment options for both, why a proper diagnosis is important, and when to see your healthcare provider. So maybe it was just something non covid related Anyway she was exhausted and couldn't work. Treatments include a combinations of medications that are approved to treat COVID-19 and new drugs that have emergency-use authorizations to use for COVID-19, and ones that COVID-19 is an off-label use. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. Whats the best way to remove skin tags, and why do they form in the first place? Your doctor might take a watchful waiting approach to see if your immune system can fight the infection. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. Bugs are common during the winter months and with the circulation of Omicron it's important you can tell the difference Credit: Getty - Contributor. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. If you have respiratory symptoms, you might fear that you have COVID. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. Your doctor might check your mucus or do an imaging test to confirm the diagnosis. Get the best food tips and diet Theres a powerful story behind every headline at Ohio State Health & Discovery. The best way to protect yourself from COVID is to get vaccinated and practice protective measures like wearing a face mask, social distancing, and washing your hands. If symptoms dont go away after three months, youre considered to have a chronic sinus infection. However, Omicron should not be blown off or not taken seriously. However this leaves the susceptible person open to sinus infections and ear infections caused by bacteria that may last for several more weeks. Allergy and sinus infection treatments share some similarities and differences. If youre not vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu, do so right away to reduce your chances of getting sick and spreading these infections to others. This is why you may feel pain or pressure in your face. And among unvaccinated people, he says, an omicron infection can feel like the same unforgiving disease to him. The yellowish tinge comes from white blood cells that rush to the site of the infection and then are swept away after working . Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. Many of the patients who are being hospitalized often have some underlying health condition, or they're older and more vulnerable to a viral infection. Continue taking allergy meds, if you did so previously. Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. But oddly about half of patients have no runny nose at this point. "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. How to tell. The omicron variant now represents nearly every Covid case sequenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! If you have severe congestion with either, then an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription decongestant can help by breaking up mucus in your nasal cavities. Explore the differences between allergies and sinus infections so that you can determine the likely cause of your symptoms and seek the appropriate treatment for relief. Discover how doctors determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial. That consistency, Xu says, suggests the reduction in severity is due, in part, to something inherent with omicron itself and not simply because of changes in vaccination status. After youve tested, call your primary care doctor to schedule an in-person or virtual visit. Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. Xu and her colleagues found that the risk of needing to go to the ER dropped from about 15% during the delta surge to 5% during the early omicron surge (about a 70% decrease) and the risk of being hospitalized dropped from 4% to 2% (or by 50%). Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. As of February 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved two drugs to treat COVID-19: The FDA has granted emergency-use authorizations to a handful of medications that have not yet completed the formal FDA-approval process. otolaryngology-assoc.com/our_services/allergies__sinusitis.aspx, newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pay-close-attention-to-symptoms-to-determine-if-cause-is-sinus-infection-or-allergies/, health.clevelandclinic.org/cold-really-sinus-infection-tell/, acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis, Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): What It Is, Symptoms, and More, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. Like the science and discovery news you find here? That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. While its possible that you have the virus, your symptoms could also be caused by another condition, such as a cold or a sinus infection. If you know youre allergic to pollen and that pollen season is around the corner, start taking your antihistamine ahead of time. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. The cause of a sinus infection is inflammation of the sinuses. COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system. What Is a Sinus Infection? Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. This is especially important as cases continue to rise. Talk through your symptoms, and then your provider can help you determine the best next steps, Dr. Ruff says. And after COVID being around for almost 2 years now, it's no surprise that people are starting to become less reactive to it. At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. As more mucus is produced, buildup occurs and provides a place for bacteria to grow, which leads to infection. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. } ); Patients with chronic sinusitis have complaints of nasal blockage, facial pressure, eye pressure, runny nose, postnasal drip and headache. Your nose is all runny and stuffed up, and youre losing your sense of smell. Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. Runny noses have been more common with COVID infections with the newer strains. An X-ray can be the first line of defense for a health care provider to show whats happening inside your body. This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. Proper diagnosis is essential, and the doctor will need to know whether you have viral or bacterial sinusitis. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 2. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. Your symptoms are persisting or worsening after 10 days. But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. UNC researchers are spreading the word about these disparities and starting a conversation about how to change them. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. If you have pet dander allergies, make sure your furry loved ones dont sleep in bed with you and wash your hands after petting them and before touching your face. Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. Some photos and videos on this site were filmed prior to the COVID-19 outbreak or may not reflect current physical distancing and/or masking guidelines. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. If you are two weeks after your COVID-19 was diagnosed, and have recovered otherwise but need a visit for sinus evaluation, call us today. Get health and wellness tips and information from UNC Health experts once a month! A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. Pain at the top of the head is often found with occult sphenoid sinusitis, which can cause a serious infection of the eyes and even meningitis. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. However patients with a history of relapsing sinus infections may have more difficult bacteria such as Staphylococcus or very tricky non typical respiratory bacteria. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! Its probably anothersinus infection. Is There a Link Between a Low White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19? However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. hide caption. "The difference was huge," says data scientist Rong Xu, who led the study and is also at Case Western Reserve University. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University analyzed health records from more than a half-million people infected with SARS-CoV-2 across the country, including 14,000 people possibly infected with omicron from Dec. 15 to 24, after the variant became dominant. Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment. In the past, it was basically a given that a severe case of COVID-19 would wreak havoc on the lungs, at times leading to pneumonia and uncontrolled inflammation. Several studies have found that the incubation period the time it takes to develop symptoms after being exposed is about three days. Whats the main difference between sinus infection and COVID-19? Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. Why Hospitals are Overcrowded with Omicron Patients, "While the variant is considered less severe, more people have it than ever before and people are not isolated like in the early phases of the pandemic," says Walker. So how are respiratory diseases like this diagnosed? "Omicron can present in a myriad of different ways," he says. As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care.
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