Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills. If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. However, an allergy cough is wet, while a COVID-19 cough is dry; and fatigue with allergies tends to be milder than fatigue associated with COVID-19. "Omicron can present in a myriad of different ways," he says. But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. 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. Typically, the loss of sense of smell associated with a sinus infection is going to be accompanied by more significant symptoms such as facial pain/pressure. You dont ever treat with antibiotics unless its been more than 10 to 14 days because, in that situation, you may have a bacterial infection, Dr. Ruff says. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. A sinus infection occurs when viruses or bacteria cause inflammation and fluid buildup inside your sinuses. The treatments for each condition are also different, which is why its important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. Simply because the Omicron variant is new, there's little research about its link to long COVID, the physical, neurological, and cognitive symptoms that can persist indefinitely after infection. For people who are at high risk for severe disease, such as older people or those with underlying health issues, the chance of being hospitalized is still quite significant. 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%). Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. If this persists, smell training therapy can help, though sometimes (rarely) this loss is permanent. While it's welcome news that omicron is easier on the lungs, ProHEALTH's Griffin says it's not that way for some of his 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. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. This type of reaction is caused by a negative response to a substance. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. } And doctors are finding a key difference among their patients who are ending up in the ER or being admitted: Many are neither struggling to breathe nor dealing with perilously low oxygen levels. Certainly, while most healthy people will only have mild symptoms, this virus still can cause severe illness in people who are immunosuppressed, including the elderly. A lost of smell or taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. Cases of sinus infection that last longer than 12 weeks are considered chronic. Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. American Lung Association. Get health and wellness tips and information from UNC Health experts once a month! Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Find our most recent COVID-19 articles here, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, What its like to get an X-ray, and how to prepare, Cardiologist changing the way we care for womens cardiovascular health, Five signs of heart disease that show up in the bedroom. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. Its thought that the initial site of COVID-19 entry for most patients is the nasal passages. However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital. 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. Often the focus of treatment involves managing the severity of symptoms as natural immunity takes over. Yes. If you have a sinus infection that is not going away, talk to your doctor about medications and other treatments that can bring you relief. Most people dont require special treatment for the common cold, and theres no vaccine or outright cure. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. 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. A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 It also details treatment options for both, why a proper diagnosis is important, and when to see your healthcare provider. (By contrast, with the original version of the virus, the rate was 1 in 10. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. "In this period, we still have delta circulating in the community. Sinus infections and COVID are not caused by the same things. How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. Policy. Basically, when your immune system is already fighting off a disease, its easier for other pathogens to infect. So maybe it was just something non covid related Anyway she was exhausted and couldn't work. This article explains how to tell the difference between a a sinus infection and COVID-19. These include: The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is. A 2020 study surveyed 270 outpatients with. Heather currently freelances for several publications. 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.. Adults have sinuses behind their cheeks, nose, and forehead. Its probably anothersinus infection. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. As we enter the second winter season of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can still be confusing trying to tell the difference between winter allergies and COVID symptoms. 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. The diagnosis cannot be made just by asking you about your symptoms or by doing an exam because the symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. Also explore types, prevention, and more. All Rights Reserved. That all said, this reduction in risk doesn't mean omicron will be mild for everyone. 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. After youve tested, call your primary care doctor to schedule an in-person or virtual visit. If your allergies have you particularly congested, they might also prescribe a decongestant. However, bacterial sinusitis cant be transmitted from person to person. In addition, some symptoms of each are not present in the other. } ); Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. "They're young people that typically can push through things. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the swelling of your sinuses. Sinusitis can occur at any time of the year, but it tends to flare up in cold and flu season and during allergy seasons. They canoccurwith viral infections, too. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. Is it a cold or sinus infection? With some of these key differences in mind, you may be able to figure out whether youre dealing with allergies or sinusitis and take the necessary steps to start feeling better. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. In contrast, delta took about four days, and the original variant took more than five. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. What Is a Sinus Infection? 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 you know youre allergic to pollen and that pollen season is around the corner, start taking your antihistamine ahead of time. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. They can talk to you about your symptoms, screen you for COVID risk factors, perform diagnostic tests to determine what is making you sick, and make sure that you get the appropriate treatment. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. People with severe COVID illness usually need to be in the hospital, and some end up needing to be in the intensive care unit (ICU). Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. However, sinus infections have rarely been associated with COVID. The charts below show which Omicron symptoms are most common and how they compare to prior variants. The following chart shows how Omicron symptoms compare to those of its predecessors, based on data collected by the Zoe app. Many people report that one of the first symptoms of Omicron is a sore throat. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This common infection requires antibiotics. However, these conditions arent the same thing. Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. For example, if you have a sinus infection that is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an allergy medicine. South Africa's largest health insurer listed nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat, dry cough and lower back pain as common Omicron symptoms. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these, Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, Over 60? A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. To help you figure it out, lets take a closer look at sinusitis. "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. And is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria and does it really matter? This is especially important as cases continue to rise. Before Omicron, Moreno said, his COVID-19 patients used to feel sick for about 10 to 14 days. Sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. } Your doctor might check your mucus or do an imaging test to confirm the diagnosis. Itchy, Red Eyes? single They are highly contagious, with younger children, seniors, those with respiratory conditions, and those with compromised immunity more prone. "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. How to tell. In March, before Delta was detected and vaccines were widely available, 60% of UK adults ages 16 to 65 on the Zoe app reported loss of smell at some point in their illness. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. 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. Symptoms of COVID-19. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. Sore throat Hoarse voice Cough Fatigue Nasal congestion Runny nose Headache Muscle aches Unlike earlier variants like delta that affected the lungs, omicron and its subvariants tend to cause more. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rest, relaxation, and fluids are great home remedies. Drink clear fluids, such as water and broth. Allergy Cough vs. COVID Cough: What Are the Differences? Instead, your doctor lookslargelyat symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19, Antigen vs. Antibody: Differences and COVID-19 Testing. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! 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. Sinus infections, and related sinus pressure, can cause toothaches. Many patients with this kind of persisting head pain may benefit from migraine medications or those used to block neural signals upstream of nerve endings. For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. 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. You may be a good candidate for allergy shots, which can lessen the way your body reacts to allergens over time. Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones of your face that are usually filled with air. With SARS-CoV-2, the big danger is that a mild illness will turn into a life-threatening one. The cause of a sinus infection is inflammation of the sinuses. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. Chris Vincent, MD, is a licensed physician, surgeon, and board-certified doctor of family medicine. 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. If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. You should also make an appointment if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve despite home treatments. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. } else { Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. They might also choose delayed prescribing, where they prescribe an antibiotic for you but suggest that you wait a few days before taking it to see if the infection clears up on its own. Most often its the result of an infection and can be caused by viruses, bacteria and, less commonly, fungi. Continue taking allergy meds, if you did so previously. It's also still not clear how much vaccines and prior infections are responsible for some of these early clinical impressions that omicron is causing a milder constellation of symptoms, says Dr. Daniel Griffin, who's chief of infectious diseases at ProHEALTH in New York and an instructor at Columbia University. Along with falling temperatures and shorter days, sinus infections are a common part of winter. To help prevent sinus infections, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, wear a mask in indoor public places and in a crowd whether youre indoors or outdoors. Taking the time to properly rest and recover will help ensure your illness doesn't progress into something worse. At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. Learn some practical steps you can take to ease your symptoms. For example, if you have seasonal allergies to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the counts are at their highest. The most common risk factors for sinus infections include: While many sinus infections are complications of a common cold due to a virus, sometimes bacteria and fungi can cause a superimposed infection that is more difficult for the bodys immune system to fight off. 1 var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Glasses vs. contacts: Which is safer for eyes. The nasal sinuses and the middle ear space or hollow pockets in the head and cranial bones that usually are filled with sterile air. Are you contagious before COVID-19 symptoms appear? We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. What those hospital numbers don't tell us is what a typical case looks like. Discover how doctors determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial. Several studies have found that the incubation period the time it takes to develop symptoms after being exposed is about three days. Additionally, if you have any symptoms which are in any way associated with COVID-19, you should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding testing and quarantining and contact your healthcare provider. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. The main difference between COVID and a sinus infection is what causes them. While sinus infections (also known as sinusitis) share many symptoms with the common cold and can be a complication of it, there are some key differences. Also, ask your doctor about supplements such as vitamin C to help boost your immune system. (2016). COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. This leads to mucus buildup. Learn more about what yellow, green, brown, black, and red. Loss of your sense of taste and smell sometimes accompanies a sinus infection. Your Face Mask Can Help, How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants. You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that persists beyond a few days. A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. Its also important for doctors to ascertain whether youre experiencing a viral or bacterial infection as that can influence treatment. "Those individuals that are boosted, within five days, seven days of their onset of symptoms, their energy level comes back," he said. A study published online on Jan. 2 provides some of the first compelling evidence from the U.S. that the chance of ending up in the hospital is lower with omicron compared with the delta variant. Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. And just like earlier variants, omicron can't be defined as causing only a narrow group of symptoms. Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? While COVID and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are caused by completely different things. 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. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. I recommend that everyone stock up.. Sinusitis. Fatigue. Here's How to Look Decades Younger, "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. If youre having symptoms, heres when you should call a doctor: Distinguishing between the common cold and sinus infections can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. Yellow, Green, Brown, and More: What Does the Color of My Snot Mean? If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. And after COVID being around for almost 2 years now, it's no surprise that people are starting to become less reactive to it. A sinus infection is diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Although that could definitely still happen with omicron, the risk appears to be lower than it was with delta. Frequent handwashing is also a must. The loss of smell most commonly is resolved by 3 months, but about 20% of patients will have smell loss longer, and about 5% may have permanent loss of smell. Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images Colds are usually transmitted via coughed or exhaled droplets or infected surfaces. "You don't get off scot-free just because you happen to be infected in the time of omicron. By contrast, fatigue became more pronounced among outpatients, who often reported feeling tired and achy, Moreno said. You cant, unfortunatelybecause the symptoms are so similar, you should be tested for COVID-19. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is required to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment. Or is it? Children's Wisconsin. Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. Vaccination reduces your risk of COVID death 90% or more. The two share certain symptoms, but also have differences. Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. But experts say symptoms are more like colds and medics have urged the . What Every Woman Needs to Know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=053662ec-447c-49e3-a3fc-38c4554832b7&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8507895853480345925'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); And doctors are finding many of these cases tend to look like an ordinary upper respiratory infection. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. Talk to your teens about their mental health. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. Common colds. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. The three symptoms outlined by the NHS include a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive sinus care: If your symptoms arent improving after one week, its important to see your doctor. Allergies can develop at any point in your life. Its also important to avoid being around people who are sick. 1 Signs of Omicron iStock Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. And the smell loss has been worse than the summer Delta surge. "Stress not only changes our ability to ward off illness but also decreases our ability to do things that keep us healthy, including getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and exercising.