They're napping more.". While it's welcome news that omicron is easier on the lungs, ProHEALTH's Griffin says it's not that way for some of his patients. If they have mild to moderate illness and can stay home, but they have certain medical comorbidities, an antiviral treatment may be offered. They canoccurwith viral infections, too. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. This article explains how to tell the difference between a a sinus infection and COVID-19. "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. If a person did end up in the hospital, the person's risk of being admitted to the ICU or being put on a ventilator also decreased substantially at the end of December compared with during the delta surge. The main difference between COVID and a sinus infection is what causes them. Like the science and discovery news you find here? Congestion, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough are some examples of symptoms that the two share. 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 . Your source for health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State. Yes. By Emily Brown, MPH This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Bugs are common during the winter months and with the circulation of Omicron it's important you can tell the difference Credit: Getty - Contributor. To help prevent sinus infections, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, wear a mask in indoor public places and in a crowd whether youre indoors or outdoors. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. Another difference is the timeline. What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19, Antigen vs. Antibody: Differences and COVID-19 Testing. nausea or vomiting. Runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat were the top five symptoms among people in the UK who recorded a positive COVID-19 test in the past few weeks. Suffering from a sinus infection? 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. All Rights Reserved. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. They need to sleep. 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. cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. If symptoms persist or worsen after 10 days, doctors may prescribe: Chronic sinus infection requires additional treatment focused on managing the severity of symptoms. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. Worried That Sore Throat Is Strep? OMICRON Original: Had much less loss of smell, but mostly sinus congestion symtpoms. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. 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. 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. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your nasal passages get infected. Still, doctors have noticed a clear gradient of symptoms based on a person's vaccination status. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. A sinus infection occurs when viruses or bacteria cause inflammation and fluid buildup inside your sinuses. 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, , 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, a, nd to ensure your health don't miss these, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. For example, an omicron infection may lead to complications of an existing condition such as diabetes or heart failure. So how can you tell the difference? 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%. Itchy, Red Eyes? Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Last medically reviewed on November 20, 2018, A sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen, infected, or inflamed. This common infection requires antibiotics. But oddly about half of patients have no runny nose at this point. Vaccinated people, he continued, "don't have those respiratory symptoms as much.". When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. Its thought that the initial site of COVID-19 entry for most patients is the nasal passages. 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. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! Cleveland Clinic. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In most cases, they come back on their own, and treating the underlying cause of the sinusitis will usually bring them back. Can you do anything to get your taste back after a sinus infection? For example, if you have seasonal allergies to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the counts are at their highest. "In this period, we still have delta circulating in the community. And among those who are vaccinated, almost all have not received a booster shot. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. The most common risk factors for sinus infections include: While many sinus infections are complications of a common cold due to a virus, sometimes bacteria and fungi can cause a superimposed infection that is more difficult for the bodys immune system to fight off. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Whats the Difference Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia? For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. Its probably anothersinus infection. 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. 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. Leukotriene antagonist drugs may be prescribed, and surgery may be considered in cases of a deviated septum. hide caption. On average, adults have two to four colds a year, with infants and young children experiencing six to eight. Is your cold really a sinus infection? This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis. Its always better to be safe than sorry. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. Find our most recent COVID-19 articles here and learn the latest in COVID-19 prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. (By contrast, with the original version of the virus, the rate was 1 in 10. How to Treat a Mild Case of Omicron at Home, Walker says, "Most people will liken their Omicron symptoms to a head cold. This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse. If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. } COVID-19 often causes sinus and upper respiratory symptoms such as loss of smell, congestion, and a severe headache. 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. Differences. 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. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. You can expect to experience many colds throughout your life. And this reflects what doctors across the country are now seeing firsthand with their patients. "Many people are still going to be admitted to the ICU, and some people are still going to need to have mechanical ventilation.". 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. Yellow mucus. This all depends on the severity of the virus. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. 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. Also, the more stressed you are, the more likely you may experience more severe symptoms or a longer duration of illness. single on Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills? A doctor may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery if you're experiencing recurrent sinus infections or have a sinus blockage. 1. 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. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. ", Read the original article on Business Insider, Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram/Getty Images, Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images, Patrick Pleul/Picture Alliance/Getty Images. The nasal sinuses and the middle ear space or hollow pockets in the head and cranial bones that usually are filled with sterile air. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. Another difference doctors are noticing: Loss of smell and taste considered a telltale sign of COVID-19 is not nearly as common with omicron infections. } ); Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The severe sore throat is often still. Sure Signs You're Getting Omicron Now, Say Doctors. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. 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. Managing a sinus infection? After youve tested, call your primary care doctor to schedule an in-person or virtual visit. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function. And just like earlier variants, omicron can't be defined as causing only a narrow group of symptoms. We've all experienced a cold before and it is no fun. 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? Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. Is There a Link Between a Low White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19? Common sinus infection bacteria are often Streptococcus species, Moraxella, or Haemophilus. Her symptoms were similar like a terrible sinus infection and congestion. The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. Body aches and fatigue seem to linger longer. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. "It's a very prominent symptom," said Moreno, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. "It just seems that people who have been vaccinated ahead of time are getting much milder symptoms across the board," he says. Underlying allergy inflammation can lead to sinus infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You may be a good candidate for allergy shots, which can lessen the way your body reacts to allergens over time. Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. South Africa's largest health insurer listed nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat, dry cough and lower back pain as common Omicron symptoms. 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. Know your treatment options for COVID-19. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge). 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. 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. If you develop any respiratory symptoms and they do not seem to be getting better, its important to see your doctor. Continue taking allergy meds, if you did so previously. It also details treatment options for both, why a proper diagnosis is important, and when to see your healthcare provider. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are usually taken for short-term relief. Stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. What Is a Sinus Infection? Two recent lab studies, which haven't been peer-reviewed, suggested that Omicron could be less effective at attacking lung cells compared with prior variants. "The difference was huge," says data scientist Rong Xu, who led the study and is also at Case Western Reserve University. Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. 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. The rapid ones are getting better and better as far as accuracy goes. xhr.send(payload); Learn more about the. The lists of symptoms below are just a starting point and do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or a sinus infection. Lately, he said, people who received a booster shot reported shorter bouts of illness than those who received fewer doses or none at all. 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. Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. 1 Signs of Omicron iStock Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. 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. If they're reporting it, they're saying that their throat feels raw.". Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID. And a small study from Norway found that, among . As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care. So how are respiratory diseases like this diagnosed? ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 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. While in the past this has usually turned out to be a sinus infection, youre not so sure this time. ", 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. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. Several types of COVID tests are available. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult. Three that have gained attention are nausea, night sweats and lower back pain. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infectionsverydifferently. And fewer patients have symptoms related to lower respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, says Vanchiere, including older patients. So maybe it was just something non covid related Anyway she was exhausted and couldn't work. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. Whats the main difference between sinus infection and COVID-19? You risk possible side effects and increase your chances of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat, says Dr. Sindwani. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause. At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. Use a saline mist spray to hydrate nasal passages. How to tell. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. 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. What those hospital numbers don't tell us is what a typical case looks like. Omicron vs. Allergy Symptoms Though COVID-19 and allergies are caused by significantly different thingsthe SARS-CoV-2 virus and airborne substances like pollen, respectivelythe two can. That all said, this reduction in risk doesn't mean omicron will be mild for everyone. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Is it a cold or sinus infection? However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. 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. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. You have a stiff neck or swelling around the eyes. Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. 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. Rest, relaxation, and fluids are great home remedies. 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. Heres a quick breakdown: While most coldsand even sinus infectionsclear up on their own, its important to know when you need medical help. COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. Cases of sinus infection that last longer than 12 weeks are considered chronic. Heather currently freelances for several publications. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. By contrast, fatigue became more pronounced among outpatients, who often reported feeling tired and achy, Moreno said. 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. But Omicron patients report fewer instances of fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones of your face that are usually filled with air. 8. A runny nose and sneezing, congestion, and sore throat are a few symptoms that can pop up if you have . Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. There are differences, but step one if you start to feel bad is to get a COVID test.. Basically, when your immune system is already fighting off a disease, its easier for other pathogens to infect. Omicron, the latest variant, is spreading like wildfire across the globe, leading Dr. Anthony Fauci, . COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. Before Omicron, Moreno said, his COVID-19 patients used to feel sick for about 10 to 14 days. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { ", How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast, If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Patients with severe COVID migraine/headache phenomenon may also suffer from some chronic COVID brain symptoms (like chemo brain for patients receiving toxic chemotherapy). Most often its the result of an infection and can be caused by viruses, bacteria and, less commonly, fungi. Symptoms like bad breath, yellow or green mucus, fever and headache are not reliable signs of a bacterial infection, he says. If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, Eat This, Not That! } else { Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. "They're young people that typically can push through things. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. 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. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. It's also still not clear how much vaccines and prior infections are responsible for some of these early clinical impressions that omicron is causing a milder constellation of symptoms, says Dr. Daniel Griffin, who's chief of infectious diseases at ProHEALTH in New York and an instructor at Columbia University. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. How to protect yourself & others. congestion or runny nose. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. 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. Subscribe. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 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. Along with falling temperatures and shorter days, sinus infections are a common part of winter. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy. Several studies have found that the incubation period the time it takes to develop symptoms after being exposed is about three days.

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