Medicinal treatment methods vary depending on if the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. 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 charts below show which Omicron symptoms are most common and how they compare to prior variants. 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. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. 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. 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. I do encourage you to get the vaccine and the booster. Do You Have COVID-19 or a Sinus Infection? | UNC Health Talk That all said, this reduction in risk doesn't mean omicron will be mild for everyone. This common infection requires antibiotics. You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. For example, if you have a sinus infection that is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an allergy medicine. What Are the Symptoms of Omicron? - New York Times "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. 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. Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. The yellowish tinge comes from white blood cells that rush to the site of the infection and then are swept away after working . On average, adults have two to four colds a year, with infants and young children experiencing six to eight. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital. 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). Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function. 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). A lost of smell or taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance. ), "The risk is not zero," says Xu's colleague Davis, speaking of omicron. All rights reserved. Doctors offer advice about omicron and the holidays You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that persists beyond a few days. Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. 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. But the omicron variant tends to share many of the same symptoms as the common cold. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Children's Wisconsin. Health spoke with Julia Walker, a registered nurse with Paloma Health who explained symptoms to watch out for. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. Sore throats were often coupled with sinus congestion and headache, he added, followed by a cough a day or so later. All Rights Reserved. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. The treatments for a sinus infection and COVID are very different. Doctors studying Omicron's spread around the world have found new clues to the pattern of symptoms caused by the highly-mutated COVID-19 variant, which a growing number of reports suggest might . For example, an omicron infection may lead to complications of an existing condition such as diabetes or heart failure. Distinguishing between the common cold and sinus infections can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers alike. Children's Health, Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases. Most people were sick 6-9 days. "Just like previous variants, omicron is hospitalizing people and it is killing people.". Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. Heather currently freelances for several publications. 2. 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. What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19, Antigen vs. Antibody: Differences and COVID-19 Testing. 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. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. Rest, relaxation, and fluids are great home remedies. American Academy of Family Physicians. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. Sure Signs You Have an Omicron Infection - MSN You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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 ); Most sinus infections are viral. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. Often the focus of treatment involves managing the severity of symptoms as natural immunity takes over. Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. Sure Signs You're Getting Omicron Now, Say Doctors. 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. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ", 3 Culture techniques or even PCR technology may be used to identify specific pathogens. However, bacterial sinusitis cant be transmitted from person to person. During the pandemic, the general public has become more aware of COVID-19 symptoms. Stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. The Anosmia/smell dysfunction returned and Im maybe even seeing this smell loss LAST LONGER than the original COVID variants. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. As of this month, less than 20% of people in the UK who recorded a positive COVID-19 test were logging the symptom into the Zoe app. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Sometimes rinsing out your sinuses can help. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. ", "While omicron does appear to be less severe compared to delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorized as 'mild,' " said the World Health Organization's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Thursday. In addition, some symptoms of each are not present in the other. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. 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. COVID-19 is a viral infection, which means that many of the same steps that you would take to protect yourself from a cold or the flu (such as washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick) can help lower your risk of getting the virus. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Rosenfeld RM, Piccirillo JF, Chandrasekhar SS, et al. 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. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. Another difference is the timeline. To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. "So this is really something that's different between omicron and delta," Xu says. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. 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. 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. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. Normally they're filled with air. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery Omicron subvariant symptoms: How quickly do omicron symptoms appear? By contrast, fatigue became more pronounced among outpatients, who often reported feeling tired and achy, Moreno said. Because symptoms can overlap, I recommend discussing your condition with your physician and/or getting tested if you think youve got COVID-19. 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. 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. However, Omicron should not be blown off or not taken seriously. Worried That Sore Throat Is Strep? For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. UNC researchers are spreading the word about these disparities and starting a conversation about how to change them. Differences. "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. Both allergies and sinus infections can feel miserable. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. However this leaves the susceptible person open to sinus infections and ear infections caused by bacteria that may last for several more weeks. 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. While you can take an at-home COVID-19 test, these are not 100% accurate. Most of those patients were vaccinated, he said, so their symptoms tended to be milder and relatively short-lived. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. In most cases, they come back on their own, and treating the underlying cause of the sinusitis will usually bring them back. "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. Using a humidifier in your bedroom might help. 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. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences? A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. Talk to your teens about their mental health. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. The symptoms of sinus infection tend to come on . cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. Get the best food tips and diet If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. 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. What are the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? If this persists, smell training therapy can help, though sometimes (rarely) this loss is permanent. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. xhr.send(payload); Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. However, there are several key differences: Primarily, sinus infection arises when the sinusesthe passages connecting the mouth, ears, and eyesare exposed to a virus, bacteria or fungi. 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. How long are you most contagious after a COVID-19 infection? Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. Treating your allergy symptoms early on can also help prevent your allergies from getting out of control. 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. Its probably anothersinus infection. Is It Winter Allergies or COVID-19? - Verywell Health hide caption. Fatigue. 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. Were hopeful that most people with COVID-19 regain their smell back, but unfortunately many do not. 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. Yes. 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. A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. And after COVID being around for almost 2 years now, it's no surprise that people are starting to become less reactive to it. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Many patients started out with a dry, scratchy throat that caused sharp pain when they swallowed. When it was discovered, omicron alarmed scientists. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. 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 If you know youre allergic to pollen and that pollen season is around the corner, start taking your antihistamine ahead of time. Is your cold really a sinus infection? Get health and wellness tips and information from UNC Health experts once a month! What Should You Do If You Feel Sick but Keep Testing Negative for COVID? Sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? Its also important for doctors to ascertain whether youre experiencing a viral or bacterial infection as that can influence treatment. What we know about the symptoms and the severity - NPR 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. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Lately, he said, people who received a booster shot reported shorter bouts of illness than those who received fewer doses or none at all. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. 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. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. At a December news briefing, Ryan Noach, the CEO of Discovery Health, South Africa's largest private health insurer, said Omicron patients commonly reported a scratchy throat first, followed by nasal congestion, dry cough, and body aches.
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