An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is required to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment. Is There a Link Between a Low White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19? 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. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! Some patients (about 10%) will have scalp tenderness, pain, and even sometimes PAINFUL HAIR! } Facts about the common cold. COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. They can run tests to determine whether or not you have COVID, a sinus infection, or another condition. Several types of COVID tests are available. By Emily Brown, MPH nausea or vomiting. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. "They're young people that typically can push through things. And among unvaccinated people, he says, an omicron infection can feel like the same unforgiving disease to him. 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. 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. And the smell loss has been worse than the summer Delta surge. Rest, relaxation, and fluids are great home remedies. How can you tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial based on your symptoms? They need to sleep. 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. Allergy medications wont get rid of sinus infections, though. 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. Its also important to avoid being around people who are sick. 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. Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. This fits with early data from the U.K. showing that fever and cough are not as prevalent with omicron cases there and that the five top symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. Still, doctors have noticed a clear gradient of symptoms based on a person's vaccination status. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. A sinus infection is diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe. Can you do anything to get your taste back after a sinus infection? That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Allergies can develop at any point in your life. COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the air-filled pockets in the face, called sinuses, fill up with fluid, inflaming the sinus lining and preventing them from draining. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your nasal passages get infected. With a scientific background and a passion for creative writing, her work illustrates the value of evidence-based information and creativity in advancing public health. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick, Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days, Facial pain (pain or pressure in your cheeks, nose, ears, and forehead, or between your eyes), Swelling around the eyes (may get worse in the morning), Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Over-the-counter pain relievers (to relieve aches and fever), Allergy medication (if allergies are a cause), Veklury (remdesivir), an antiviral drug, for adults and children, Olumiant (baricitinib), and immune modulator, for certain hospitalized adults, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir), oral antiviral medications for people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases and are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and death, Taking medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to reduce fever, Staying hydrated (drinking plenty of water or receiving intravenous fluids, if necessary), Medications to treat complications (e.g., blood thinners to treat blood clots), Treatments to reduce an overactive immune response and/or support the bodys immune function, Maintain social distance (six feet apart) between you and people who do not live with you, Avoid crowds and indoor spaces with poor ventilation, Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and/or workplace daily. As more mucus is produced, buildup occurs and provides a place for bacteria to grow, which leads to infection. Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. Sinus infections and COVID are not caused by the same things. 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. 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 . Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. However, if your doctor thinks your sinus infection is bacteria-related, they may prescribe an antibiotic. And among those who are vaccinated, almost all have not received a booster shot. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The cause of a sinus infection is inflammation of the sinuses. In severe cases, you may need to be treated by an ear, nose and throat doctor. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. 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. As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care. Like the science and discovery news you find here? Colds are usually transmitted via coughed or exhaled droplets or infected surfaces. This article explains how to tell the difference between a a sinus infection and COVID-19. Your nose is all runny and stuffed up, and youre losing your sense of smell. 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. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge). Its thought that the initial site of COVID-19 entry for most patients is the nasal passages. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. 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. What are the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. And follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you liveget vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to ensure your health don't miss these 101 Health Habits You Didn't Know Were Deadly. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. While in the past this has usually turned out to be a sinus infection, youre not so sure this time. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? The main difference between COVID and a sinus infection is what causes them. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. I do encourage you to get the vaccine and the booster. Suffering from a sinus infection? 2015;152(2 Suppl):S1-S39. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read On, A Medication to Reduce Your Chances of Getting HIV, COVID-19 Shots During Pregnancy Help Mom and Baby, 3 Things Parents Should Know About Bivalent Boosters for Young Children. If you develop any respiratory symptoms and they do not seem to be getting better, its important to see your doctor. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infectionsverydifferently. The latest from Ohio State Health & Discovery delivered right to your inbox. Scientists aren't sure why COVID-19 symptoms are changing. I recommend that everyone stock up.. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? "Omicron versus delta are really more similar than they are different.". An X-ray can be the first line of defense for a health care provider to show whats happening inside your body. All Rights Reserved. Patients with severe COVID migraine/headache phenomenon may also suffer from some chronic COVID brain symptoms (like chemo brain for patients receiving toxic chemotherapy). 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. Sinus Infection vs. Cold: How to Tell the Difference - Verywell Health For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. So how are respiratory diseases like this diagnosed? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. sore throat. I'm a virologist and here's how to tell the difference between a cold xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); 2 charts show how Omicron symptoms differ from Delta and past RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. Most sinus infections are caused by viral infections, such as those that cause the common cold, including the rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The variant looked wildly different from earlier versions of the coronavirus and it quickly became clear that these mutations gave omicron an uncanny ability to sidestep our vaccines and spread very rapidly. Another factor to look at is how long you've been sick. (2016). What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, What to Know About Pneumonia and COVID-19. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Read our, Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Infection, COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know, Have Spring Allergies? A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. Before Omicron, Moreno said, his COVID-19 patients used to feel sick for about 10 to 14 days. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. advice every day. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. "The majority of patients that are coming in are coming in for sinus pressure, congestion, just kind of upper respiratory infections or some even think they have a sinus infection."Dufrene said . For milder cases and those within the first 10 days, over the counter medications and at-home treatments include: Decongestants are not recommended for adults or children with acute sinusitis and should not be used for more than three to five days in order to prevent rebound congestion. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Do You Have a Sinus Infection or COVID-19? - GoodRx How to Treat a Mild Case of Omicron at Home, Walker says, "Most people will liken their Omicron symptoms to a head cold. "In the older age group, it's still a nasty disease, even if it's less [nasty] than the delta variant," says Dr. Pamela Davis, who's a pulmonologist at Case Western Reserve University and a senior author on the new study. Learn about the symptoms of a sinus infection and how to, If your nasal discharge is any color other than clear, it could be a sign of an infection. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis. Even your doctor cant tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.. Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends . This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. Yellow, Green, Brown, and More: What Does the Color of My Snot Mean? Xu and her team estimate that, in their study, about 60% of the people were vaccinated. 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. Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. Policy. 1 Signs of Omicron iStock Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. This common infection requires antibiotics. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that persists beyond a few days. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. RSV: How to tell the difference between - Labcorp Bugs are common during the winter months and with the circulation of Omicron it's important you can tell the difference Credit: Getty - Contributor. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the infection. Do you have a sinus infection or COVID-19? - Ohio State University 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. } Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Were hopeful that most people with COVID-19 regain their smell back, but unfortunately many do not. Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. As one of the largest academic health centers and health sciences campuses in the nation, we are uniquely positioned with renowned experts covering all aspects of health, wellness, science, research and education. A December study from the University of Hong Kong, which hasn't been peer-reviewed, found that Omicron replicated 70 times faster in the main airways, or bronchi, compared with Delta, but 10 times slower in the lung tissue. But it's very possible that doctors and patients are simply paying more attention to these symptoms than they did with earlier variants, says Dr. Scott Roberts, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Yale School of Medicine. I thought it was a horrible sinus infection. It was Omicron - reddit How do you know you are infected with Omicron? - Medical News Today Yellow mucus. Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. Click for More Info about Dr. Rogers and how we can help out! Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. In general, people are contagious for two to three days before COVID-19 symptoms start. Omicron vs. Allergies: How to Tell the Difference - Health By Mark Gurarie This can mean a cold or infection that's progressing. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. So some of this lower risk could be because of vaccination, but the data altogether suggests that there is a reduced risk for hospitalization with the omicron variant compared with the delta variant. Often the focus of treatment involves managing the severity of symptoms as natural immunity takes over. Sinusitis occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. 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 ); But experts say symptoms are more like colds and medics have urged the . Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Sinus Infection vs. COVID-19: What Are the Differences? - Verywell Health 960 Johnson Ferry Rd U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. OMICRON VARIANT BA.2: These started popping up late December 21. 1 Your doctor might take a watchful waiting approach to see if your immune system can fight the 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. "Many people are still going to be admitted to the ICU, and some people are still going to need to have mechanical ventilation.". A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. 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. Infections like RSV and the flu. Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Specifically, the risk of being admitted to the ICU fell from 0.8% to 0.4% (or by 50%) and the chance of being put on a ventilator fell from 0.4% to 0.1%. Medicinal treatment methods vary depending on if the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. 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. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. Your Face Mask Can Help, How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. 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. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. Therefore, treatment is much the same, where you can use over-the-counter nasal decongestants, lozenges for a sore throat, and acetaminophen to treat fever, headaches, and body aches. Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. Typically, youll have facial pain/pressure, headaches, nasal drainage and congestion, decreased or loss of sense of smell, tooth pain and sore throat. Ohio State Health & Discovery brings this expertise together to deliver todays most important health news and the deeper story behind the most powerful topics that affect the health of people, animals, society and the world. OMICRON Original: Had much less loss of smell, but mostly sinus congestion symtpoms. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Omicron or Respiratory Infection Symptoms? | Eyewitness News - PAhomepage With infections at all-time highs in the U.S., the clinical picture is now coming together and starting to confirm what other countries have found a typical case of omicron not only presents . You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. Omicron Symptoms: Here's What to Know | Time 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? Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. 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. With SARS-CoV-2, the big danger is that a mild illness will turn into a life-threatening one. You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. Aside from OTC medications, you will want to get plenty of rest and fluids, eat nutrient-rich foods, and keep yourself away from other people until your symptoms have subsided. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); You should also make an appointment if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve despite home treatments. If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. For example, an omicron infection may lead to complications of an existing condition such as diabetes or heart failure. Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. A sinus infection is caused by inflammation of the sinuses and often follows a cold or allergy flare-up. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial and fungal sinus infections often arise this way. And this reflects what doctors across the country are now seeing firsthand with their patients. But the omicron variant tends to share many of the same symptoms as the common cold. Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. COVID-19 Vs. Sinus Infections: Know the Difference | MD Now Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you get a COVID-19 test, remember to mask up and stay away from others until you get your test results. If you have a negative COVID test, we can see you and determine if you have an actual sinus infection and then determine the best treatment, Dr. Ruff says. A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. "It's mostly that runny nose, sore throat and nasal congestion," says Dr. John Vanchiere, the associate director of the Center for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport. Get the best food tips and diet advice While the chances are much better that you wont need medical attention, you shouldnt hesitate seeking it out if or when you need it. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. Allergies or Sinus Infection: How to Tell the Difference - Healthline Children's Health, Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases. With winter underway and cases of Omicron surging nationwide, you may be wondering if that runny nose or aching throat is a dreaded case of COVID-19 or merely a symptom of the common cold. In other words, what you think of as the common cold. They canoccurwith viral infections, too. But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. 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.