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. We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. Infections like RSV and the flu. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. ; Duration: Whereas cold symptoms generally start to improve after . 960 Johnson Ferry Rd 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.. The treatments for each condition are also different, which is why its important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. Physician, Associate Professor It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. You have a stiff neck or swelling around the eyes. They're napping more.". Scientists are trying to figure out why. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. How to protect yourself & others. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. They need to sleep. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. Whats the main difference between sinus infection and COVID-19? 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. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. 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. A lost of smell or taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance. Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. 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. Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. Fatigue. Yellow, Green, Brown, and More: What Does the Color of My Snot Mean? 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. ", RELATED: The #1 Cause of Diabetes, Say Experts, Walker explains, "When news suggested that the Omicron variant was less severe than the Delta variant, people became increasingly lax about getting COVID. Allergy and sinus infection treatments share some similarities and differences. The two share certain symptoms, but also have differences. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Here's How to Look Decades Younger, 5 But it has taken longer to untangle what, if anything, sets an omicron illness apart from that of its predecessors. They canoccurwith viral infections, too. This common infection requires antibiotics. "People that are unvaccinated go through a little bit of a longer and tougher course," Moreno said. "Their symptoms are resolved. What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19, Antigen vs. Antibody: Differences and COVID-19 Testing. Subscribe. Scientists aren't sure why COVID-19 symptoms are changing. Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. And after COVID being around for almost 2 years now, it's no surprise that people are starting to become less reactive to it. 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. Because symptoms can overlap, I recommend discussing your condition with your physician and/or getting tested if you think youve got COVID-19. These include: The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is. 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. Youll also want to wash your hair before bed after being outside and keep your windows closed when pollen counts are high. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. 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 ); According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. } ); With information suggesting that symptoms are mild, hospitalizations are low despite some of the highest rates of infection to date, and reports that it isn't infecting the lungs as much as other strains it's no surprise that the general feeling with this variant is more relaxed than with others. } else { Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. "If we have a patient who's younger, if we have a patient who's vaccinated, if we have a patient who recently recovered from delta, we're tending to see very mild disease with omicron," says Griffin. 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. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. 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. 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. The two conditions share many characteristics, and in some cases, sinus infections arise as a complication of colds. Read our, Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Infection, COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know, Have Spring Allergies? You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands . Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. If you're sick, the following is recommended: Additionally, some medications can help, many of which are also used for sinus infections: Making sure your symptoms are more than a cold, and could be those of sinus infection, can be critical for managing the condition. "Those individuals that are boosted, within five days, seven days of their onset of symptoms, their energy level comes back," he said. cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. But the omicron variant tends to share many of the same symptoms as the common cold. Omicron, the latest variant, is spreading like wildfire across the globe, leading Dr. Anthony Fauci, . Rest, relaxation, and fluids are great home remedies. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . "It's a very prominent symptom," said Moreno, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. So how can you tell the difference? And this reflects what doctors across the country are now seeing firsthand with their patients. "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. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Another factor to look at is how long you've been sick. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Both conditions can cause nasal inflammation, along with related symptoms, such as congestion and stuffy nose. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. For example, if you're over age 65, your risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19 is still 5% with the omicron variant, which means 1 in 20 people infected in this age group will end up in the hospital. 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). 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. The Anosmia/smell dysfunction returned and Im maybe even seeing this smell loss LAST LONGER than the original COVID variants. Normally they're filled with air. Your Face Mask Can Help, How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants. 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. The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. I have seen more patients with lingering sinusitis after Omicron COVID than prior variants. 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. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. Body aches and fatigue seem to linger longer. ", RELATED: Over 60? An X-ray can be the first line of defense for a health care provider to show whats happening inside your body. Know your treatment options for COVID-19. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. On Friday Sep 17th 2021 The FDA Advisory Panel made new recommendations about a third [], COVID and Hearing Health Most otolaryngologists will agree that hearing complaints are on the rise [], 2021 Advanced Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, PC, on Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline Progression. If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. 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. Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. And is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria and does it really matter? Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . Also explore types, prevention, and more. Some viral sinus infections, as when the condition is a complication of a common cold, can be contagious. ", 3 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. It's inflammation or swelling of your sinuses. The Zoe study uses a smartphone app to log how hundreds of thousands of people are feeling every day across the UK. 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. Is There a Link Between a Low White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19? Yellow mucus. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis. Talk through your symptoms, and then your provider can help you determine the best next steps, Dr. Ruff says. Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. Worried That Sore Throat Is Strep? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. However patients with a history of relapsing sinus infections may have more difficult bacteria such as Staphylococcus or very tricky non typical respiratory bacteria. Those two conditions were "a hallmark of the first disease and of delta and not nearly as prominent in omicron," says Mount Sinai's Carr. advice every day. 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. But Omicron patients report fewer instances of fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. If symptoms dont go away after three months, youre considered to have a chronic sinus infection. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care. Sinus infections and COVID are not caused by the same things. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. "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. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). Symptoms like bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever and headache are not reliable signs of a bacterial infection, he says. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy. Learn more about what yellow, green, brown, black, and red. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. They can run tests to determine whether or not you have COVID, a sinus infection, or another condition. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { Those symptoms include a runny nose or sniffles, a headache or body aches,. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. Common sinus infection bacteria are often Streptococcus species, Moraxella, or Haemophilus. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. Glasses vs. contacts: Which is safer for eyes. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. I do encourage you to get the vaccine and the booster. Frequent handwashing is also a must. "Just like previous variants, omicron is hospitalizing people and it is killing people.". A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. Congestion, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough are some examples of symptoms that the two share. You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. 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. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. 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. For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment. Sinusitis occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. At the same time, it appears anecdotally at least that certain symptoms show up more with omicron than they did with delta. 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. 2015;152(2 Suppl):S1-S39. A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. 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. While the data doesn't distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, 70% of the UK population has had at least two vaccine doses as of Thursday. 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. There are also other precautions that you should take not just to protect yourself from COVID but to help ensure that you do not spread the virus to other people. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The treatments for a sinus infection and COVID are very different. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. Click for More Info about Dr. Rogers and how we can help out! Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing.