Read our, Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Infection, COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know, Have Spring Allergies? And fewer patients have symptoms related to lower respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, says Vanchiere, including older patients. Patients with severe COVID migraine/headache phenomenon may also suffer from some chronic COVID brain symptoms (like chemo brain for patients receiving toxic chemotherapy). 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 they have mild to moderate illness and can stay home, but they have certain medical comorbidities, an antiviral treatment may be offered. 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. Rosenfeld RM, Piccirillo JF, Chandrasekhar SS, et al. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. 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. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Scientists aren't sure why COVID-19 symptoms are changing. However this leaves the susceptible person open to sinus infections and ear infections caused by bacteria that may last for several more weeks. Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills. But the omicron variant tends to share many of the same symptoms as the common cold. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Distinguishing between the common cold and sinus infections can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers alike. Omicron seems to be milder, but does seem to cause infections in many people with the vaccine. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); 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). You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. For example, if you have seasonal allergies to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the counts are at their highest. diarrhea. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. Its always better to be safe than sorry. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the swelling of your sinuses. 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. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. 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. Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". Itchy, Red Eyes? 2. That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. 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( navigator.sendBeacon ) { "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. UNC researchers are spreading the word about these disparities and starting a conversation about how to change them. A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. Dr. Rogers is an otolaryngologist in the Atlanta Georgia (USA) area since 2005 and specializes in seeing chronic sinusitis patients and patients with chronic nasal allergy complaints. The lists of symptoms below are just a starting point and do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or a sinus infection. 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). Allergy and sinus infection treatments share some similarities and differences. 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. Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. Is There a Link Between a Low White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19? If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Treatments include a combinations of medications that are approved to treat COVID-19 and new drugs that have emergency-use authorizations to use for COVID-19, and ones that COVID-19 is an off-label use. As 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. 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. Subscribe. 8. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. Allergies can be chronic or seasonal, but avoidance and medication can help alleviate your symptoms. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. All rights reserved. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. "Those individuals that are boosted, within five days, seven days of their onset of symptoms, their energy level comes back," he said. What Every Woman Needs to Know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. "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. Back in June, when the Delta variant was dominant in the UK, loss of smell was the sixth most common COVID-19 symptom among fully vaccinated people. "They're young people that typically can push through things. 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. And a small study from Norway found that, among . Yes. Policy. In addition, some symptoms of each are not present in the other. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. You cant, unfortunatelybecause the symptoms are so similar, you should be tested for COVID-19. The two conditions share many characteristics, and in some cases, sinus infections arise as a complication of colds. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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 slightly differently but also likely carries a lower chance of getting seriously ill. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have preliminary evidence that the risk of being admitted to the hospital or the intensive care unit during the omicron surge in the U.S. is about half of the risk observed during the delta surge. 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. To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis, Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment, Infection by another virus, bacteria, or fungus, Allergy medications like the antihistamines, Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated, Antibiotics (for bacterial sinus infection), such as Moxatag (amoxicillin) or Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium). Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy. Common sinus infection bacteria are often Streptococcus species, Moraxella, or Haemophilus. For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. ", 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. Be on . 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. For example, make sure you wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, nose, or eyes during cold/flu season. Some patients (about 10%) will have scalp tenderness, pain, and even sometimes PAINFUL HAIR! However really anyone is susceptible to sinusitis every once in a while. Facts about the common cold. As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care. 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. 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. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. 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 lot of this is probably magnifying these symptoms under a microscope instead of clear changes," he says. "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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Colds are usually transmitted via coughed or exhaled droplets or infected surfaces. 2015;152(2 Suppl):S1-S39. Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. During the pandemic, the general public has become more aware of COVID-19 symptoms. Asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are considered contagious for five days after a positive test. The cause of a sinus infection is inflammation of the sinuses. Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. 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. The treatments for each condition are also different, which is why its important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. The nasal sinuses and the middle ear space or hollow pockets in the head and cranial bones that usually are filled with sterile air. Learn more about the. Managing a sinus infection? Some steps that you can take will help reduce your risk of either condition, but each also has specific precautions that will help lower your risk. Scientists are trying to figure out why. Another preprint study, released earlier this month, showed that the viral load from an Omicron infection peaked in saliva one to two days before it peaked in nasal swabs a sign that Omicron may infect the throat before it infects the nose. Vaccines help reduce the severity of disease, but Omicron may be a less virulent virus on its own. 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. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. 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. Both conditions can cause nasal inflammation, along with related symptoms, such as congestion and stuffy nose. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. "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. What Should You Do If You Feel Sick but Keep Testing Negative for COVID? Discover risk factors such as sinus infections. } else { You are not the only one! The boosted people, in many cases it's almost like an old cold: the sinus symptoms, the sore throat.". In other words, what you think of as the common cold. South Africa's largest health insurer listed nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat, dry cough and lower back pain as common Omicron symptoms. 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. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. Use a saline mist spray to hydrate nasal passages. 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. Whats the main difference between sinus infection and COVID-19? Are you contagious before COVID-19 symptoms appear? It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized. And the smell loss has been worse than the summer Delta surge. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. 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. 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.. } ); Nasal congestion and swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. Sinus infections most often occur after a cold or an allergy flare-up or in relation to a nasal condition. 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. Frequent handwashing is also a must. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. We've all experienced a cold before and it is no fun. At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. The best ways to clear up viral infections are with the following methods: Viral infections cant be treated with antibiotics. A lost of smell or taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have respiratory symptoms, you might fear that you have COVID. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Cleveland Clinic. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. Culture techniques or even PCR technology may be used to identify specific pathogens. And among unvaccinated people, he says, an omicron infection can feel like the same unforgiving disease to him. 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. 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. 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. (By contrast, with the original version of the virus, the rate was 1 in 10. While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. Your source for health, wellness, innovation and discovery news from the experts at Ohio State. If you know youre allergic to pollen and that pollen season is around the corner, start taking your antihistamine ahead of time. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. 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. Underlying allergy inflammation can lead to sinus infections. Get articles and stories about health, wellness, medicine, science and education delivered right to your inbox from the experts at Ohio State. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. Is your cold really a sinus infection? Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. ", RELATED: Over 60? A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. 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. <