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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 . American Lung Association. Symptoms of COVID-19. If they have mild to moderate illness and can stay home, but they have certain medical comorbidities, an antiviral treatment may be offered. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. congestion or runny nose. COVID-19 is also causing loss of smell in most-if-not-all patients for a short time (some patients have been slow to recover). If symptoms dont go away after three months, youre considered to have a chronic sinus infection. As more mucus is produced, buildup occurs and provides a place for bacteria to grow, which leads to infection. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus 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. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. This article covers the key similarities and differences between the common cold and sinus infection, as well as what care looks like for these respiratory diseases. Causes: The common cold arises due to infection from any of 200 viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common.While viral infections also cause most sinus infections, more severe types arise due to bacteria exposure. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe. The lists of symptoms below are just a starting point and do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or a sinus infection. 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. "Those individuals that are boosted, within five days, seven days of their onset of symptoms, their energy level comes back," he said. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that persists beyond a few days. As the name suggests, this illness is so contagious and widespread that its the single most common cause of doctor visits in the United States. Find our most recent COVID-19 articles here and learn the latest in COVID-19 prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In severe cases, you may need to be treated by an ear, nose and throat doctor. The Zoe study uses a smartphone app to log how hundreds of thousands of people are feeling every day across the UK. Itchy, Red Eyes? And the smell loss has been worse than the summer Delta surge. Many locations offer drive-thru COVID-19 tests, or you can buy a rapid test from your local pharmacy, which gives you results in about 15 minutes. "Many people are still going to be admitted to the ICU, and some people are still going to need to have mechanical ventilation.". Editors note: As what we know about COVID-19 evolves, so could the information in this story. A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. And fewer patients have symptoms related to lower respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, says Vanchiere, including older patients. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. This article explains how to tell the difference between a a sinus infection and COVID-19. COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 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). Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. 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. Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. Yellow mucus. 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. Because symptoms can overlap, I recommend discussing your condition with your physician and/or getting tested if you think youve got COVID-19. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. Fatigue. And unlike the common cold, sinus infections can be of both viral and bacterial origin. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. And a small study from Norway found that, among . 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). "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. Possible signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include: The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 often involve the respiratory system, but they can also occur in other parts of the body. Were hopeful that most people with COVID-19 regain their smell back, but unfortunately many do not. 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 . This leads to mucus buildup. Discover risk factors such as sinus infections. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. This can mean a cold or infection that's progressing. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. Some patients of course are much more ill, with about 5 to 10% needing hospital care, and for those patients sinus infection or ear symptoms may go untreated for longer. Most sinus infections are viral. Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. All Rights Reserved. However really anyone is susceptible to sinusitis every once in a while. Sinus infections, and related sinus pressure, can cause toothaches. If you have respiratory symptoms, your doctor can use several tests to find out what is causing themfor example, if you have a sinus infection, COVID, or another condition. In most cases, when you have a runny nose, headache, and persistent cough, you have a common cold. 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. RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. 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. While you may experience a fever, headache, and cough if you have COVID, you can also have these and other respiratory symptoms if you have another infection or condition. A small study released Wednesday by a team of US researchers found that the viral load from an Omicron infection peaked in saliva one to two days before it peaked in nasal swabs, which may. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. 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. Did not lose taste or smell either. The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. Sinus infection (sinusitis). Many people report that one of the first symptoms of Omicron is a sore throat. Then the researchers looked to see if there was a difference between people infected during the end of the delta wave and those infected during the early stage of the omicron wave. If symptoms persist or worsen after 10 days, doctors may prescribe: Chronic sinus infection requires additional treatment focused on managing the severity of symptoms. 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. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . 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 omicron variant now represents nearly every Covid case sequenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. A sinus infection often follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Whereas antibiotics will not work for viral cases, they may be prescribed in bacterial cases. If your infections occur more frequently, and your doctor really wants to establish if they are bacterial or viral, your Otolaryngologist or ear, nose and throat doctor can sample the snot from your nose when youre infected and send it to a laboratory to know for sure. All Rights Reserved. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Often the focus of treatment involves managing the severity of symptoms as natural immunity takes over. Another factor to look at is how long you've been sick. Now amidst the Omicron-wave of infections hitting vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, it is clear in our practice we are seeing a lot of exacerbations of sinus infections. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. However patients with a history of relapsing sinus infections may have more difficult bacteria such as Staphylococcus or very tricky non typical respiratory bacteria. Allergies are also treated with antihistamines. But as with any variant of SARS-CoV-2, your absolute risk depends on many factors, including whether you're vaccinated and boosted, your age, your overall health and your economic situation. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. To help you figure it out, lets take a closer look at sinusitis. If you develop any respiratory symptoms and they do not seem to be getting better, its important to see your doctor. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. OMICRON Original: Had much less loss of smell, but mostly sinus congestion symtpoms. And this reflects what doctors across the country are now seeing firsthand with their patients. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. on Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills? 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. Nasal congestion and swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Many patients started out with a dry, scratchy throat that caused sharp pain when they swallowed. The rise of the Omicron variant has only made the situation more complex. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. The severe sore throat is often still. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. This may show up almost like non specific concussion symptoms with fatigue, mental fatigue, eye fatigue, non specific dizziness, feeling dizzy in wide open places, or feeling dizzy in busy indoor areas. ", RELATED: Over 60? So maybe it was just something non covid related Anyway she was exhausted and couldn't work. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. 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. UNC researchers are spreading the word about these disparities and starting a conversation about how to change them. 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. How to protect yourself & others. "It just seems that people who have been vaccinated ahead of time are getting much milder symptoms across the board," he says. 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%). "This is a pretty different surge," says Dr. Brendan Carr, chair of emergency medicine for the Mount Sinai Health System where the emergency rooms are busier than ever but many of the COVID-19 patients are not sick enough to be admitted. hide caption. 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. A runny nose and sneezing, congestion, and sore throat are a few symptoms that can pop up if you have . But oddly about half of patients have no runny nose at this point. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are usually taken for short-term relief. Still, these two conditions have different causes and symptoms. "Their symptoms are resolved. 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. 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. Visit the link below to find UNC Health Care providers. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. By Mark Gurarie By Emily Brown, MPH Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Most sinus infections are caused by viral infections, such as those that cause the common cold, including the rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This common infection requires antibiotics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. When it was discovered, omicron alarmed scientists. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. 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. 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 ); Allergy and sinus infection treatments share some similarities and differences. Cases of sinus infection that last longer than 12 weeks are considered chronic. 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. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. Like the science and discovery news you find here? If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, Eat This, Not That! 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. These include: The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is. This is especially important as cases continue to rise. For example, an omicron infection may lead to complications of an existing condition such as diabetes or heart failure. 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. You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands . 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. I recommend that everyone stock up.. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. 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. The boosted people, in many cases it's almost like an old cold: the sinus symptoms, the sore throat.". That all said, this reduction in risk doesn't mean omicron will be mild for everyone. Differences. 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. If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis(nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and a decreased sense of smell lasting 12 weeks or longer)or you are getting frequent sinus infectionsyou should see your doctor, says Dr. Sindwani. Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Rhinovirus is the most common pathogen, though there are over 200 others, of which certain coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more often seen. Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. What are the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. This was the case even before omicron: People who had breakthrough infections tended to have fewer symptoms and milder ones than those who were unvaccinated. Your Face Mask Can Help, How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants. He added, "It's not as bad as it was." A sinus infection is caused by inflammation of the sinuses and often follows a cold or allergy flare-up. The primary symptoms of sinus infections include: In a majority of cases, sinus infections resolve as your bodys immune system attacks and destroys the infecting pathogens. Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. advice every day. Along with falling temperatures and shorter days, sinus infections are a common part of winter.