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Health spoke with Julia Walker, a registered nurse with Paloma Health who explained symptoms to watch out for. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. If you have severe congestion with either, then an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription decongestant can help by breaking up mucus in your nasal cavities. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. You risk possible side effects and increase your chances of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat, says Dr. Sindwani. 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. You might be able to get an over-the-counter test at your local pharmacy or have a test performed at a local health clinic or pharmacy that is sent off to a lab. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e, RELATED: How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast. In adults and older children, RSV is typically a mild illness very similar to the common cold. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Omicron subvariant symptoms: How quickly do omicron symptoms appear? 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. In its early days, the variant caused an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases in South Africathey went from 300 a day in mid-November 2021 to 3,000 a day at the end of that month. Even your doctor cant tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. With omicron, the symptoms also come on more quickly once you're infected. That all said, this reduction in risk doesn't mean omicron will be mild for everyone. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. Omicron, the latest variant, is spreading like wildfire across the globe, leading Dr. Anthony Fauci, . 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. A sinus infection is caused by inflammation of the sinuses and often follows a cold or allergy flare-up. Allergies can develop at any point in your life. 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. "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. "In this period, we still have delta circulating in the community. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Adults have sinuses behind their cheeks, nose, and forehead. Its always better to be safe than sorry. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. 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. Pain at the top of the head is often found with occult sphenoid sinusitis, which can cause a serious infection of the eyes and even meningitis. Common sinus infection bacteria are often Streptococcus species, Moraxella, or Haemophilus. Worried That Sore Throat Is Strep? At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. Differences. 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.. You are not the only one! And is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria and does it really matter? COVID-19 can only be diagnosed through a test that specifically looks for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your body. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? Youll also want to wash your hair before bed after being outside and keep your windows closed when pollen counts are high. "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. Bugs are common during the winter months and with the circulation of Omicron it's important you can tell the difference Credit: Getty - Contributor. cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. Many patients with this kind of persisting head pain may benefit from migraine medications or those used to block neural signals upstream of nerve endings. A sinus infection occurs when viruses or bacteria cause inflammation and fluid buildup inside your sinuses. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. Is It a Sinus Infection or COVID-19? How to Tell - Healthline 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. And fewer patients have symptoms related to lower respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, says Vanchiere, including older patients. They're napping more.". Xu and her colleagues found that the risk of needing to go to the ER dropped from about 15% during the delta surge to 5% during the early omicron surge (about a 70% decrease) and the risk of being hospitalized dropped from 4% to 2% (or by 50%). A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. 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. 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. ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 This fits with early data from the U.K. showing that fever and cough are not as prevalent with omicron cases there and that the five top symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. Typical signs of the common cold include: If the symptoms last longer than 10 days, its likely your cold has progressed to a complication or another illness is causing them. Or is it? In other words, what you think of as the common cold. This common infection requires antibiotics. Instead, your doctor lookslargelyat symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. "The majority of patients that are coming in are coming in for sinus pressure, congestion, just kind of upper respiratory infections or some even think they have a sinus infection."Dufrene said . Proper diagnosis is essential, and the doctor will need to know whether you have viral or bacterial sinusitis. Ways that you can deal with a mild COVID infection at home include: If you are hospitalized with COVID, you might be given: There are certain things you can do to prevent sinus infections and protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus. The nasal sinuses and the middle ear space or hollow pockets in the head and cranial bones that usually are filled with sterile air. However, if your doctor thinks your sinus infection is bacteria-related, they may prescribe an antibiotic. With a scientific background and a passion for creative writing, her work illustrates the value of evidence-based information and creativity in advancing public health. If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. 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. Whats the best way to remove skin tags, and why do they form in the first place? 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. What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, What to Know About Pneumonia and COVID-19. Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Many people report that one of the first symptoms of Omicron is a sore throat. Ugh. Sinusitis occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. COVID-19 and Sinus Infection | Cooper University Health Care 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. We've all experienced a cold before and it is no fun. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. On average, adults have two to four colds a year, with infants and young children experiencing six to eight. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). Heres a quick breakdown: While most coldsand even sinus infectionsclear up on their own, its important to know when you need medical help. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. OMICRON VARIANT BA.2: These started popping up late December 21. Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. Do you have a sinus infection or COVID-19? - Ohio State University Some patients (about 10%) will have scalp tenderness, pain, and even sometimes PAINFUL HAIR! It is often patients who are susceptible to sinus infections that get them such as those patients who have gotten them before or patients who had ear infections as a child. 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. 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. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. "The most reported symptoms of Omicron are really very much like a cold, especially in people who've been vaccinated," Dr. Claire Steves, a scientist involved with the Zoe COVID Symptom Study, said in a recent video. Omicron makes up 95% of sequenced Covid cases in U.S. as infections hit Read our, Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Infection, COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know, Have Spring Allergies? 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. While its possible that you have the virus, your symptoms could also be caused by another condition, such as a cold or a sinus infection. Congestion, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough are some examples of symptoms that the two share. 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. And unlike the common cold, sinus infections can be of both viral and bacterial origin. xhr.send(payload); What Every Woman Needs to Know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. You should also make an appointment if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve despite home treatments. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. 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 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. There are differences, but step one if you start to feel bad is to get a COVID test.. What we know about the symptoms and the severity - NPR 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 . But experts say symptoms are more like colds and medics have urged the . Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. But oddly about half of patients have no runny nose at this point. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. I'm a virologist and here's how to tell the difference between a cold It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. What Are the Symptoms of Omicron? - New York Times As at earlier stages in the pandemic, many patients are still having some combination of fever, gastrointestinal problems, aches and pains, brain fog, weakness and, less often, trouble breathing, says Mount Sinai's Carr. Omicron and its Subvariants: A Guide to What We Know How to tell. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. Some viral sinus infections, as when the condition is a complication of a common cold, can be contagious. The charts below show which Omicron symptoms are most common and how they compare to prior variants. Drink clear fluids, such as water and broth. 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. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences? 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. Scientists are trying to figure out why. 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. otolaryngology-assoc.com/our_services/allergies__sinusitis.aspx, newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pay-close-attention-to-symptoms-to-determine-if-cause-is-sinus-infection-or-allergies/, health.clevelandclinic.org/cold-really-sinus-infection-tell/, acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis, Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): What It Is, Symptoms, and More, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP. 8. 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. The best ways to clear up viral infections are with the following methods: Viral infections cant be treated with antibiotics. Don't Ignore Nose Dripping, Don't Ignore Sinus - TheHealthSite Editors note: As what we know about COVID-19 evolves, so could the information in this story. Allergies or Sinus Infection: How to Tell the Difference - Healthline A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. 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. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. Its also important to avoid being around people who are sick. A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. Are you contagious before COVID-19 symptoms appear? ", 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 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. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. Along with falling temperatures and shorter days, sinus infections are a common part of winter. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Its probably anothersinus infection. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. 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. 2 charts show how Omicron symptoms differ from Delta and past A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your nasal passages get infected. Children's Health, Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. So how are respiratory diseases like this diagnosed? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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 ); Sore or Scratchy Throat May Be Early Sign of Omicron: Doctors Bacterial and fungal sinus infections often arise this way. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the swelling of your sinuses. "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. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. Now amidst the Omicron-wave of infections hitting vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, it is clear in our practice we are seeing a lot of exacerbations of sinus infections. If you test negative but still have symptoms or were exposed, your doctor might want you to be tested again in a few days. Omicron or Respiratory Infection Symptoms? | Eyewitness News - PAhomepage If symptoms dont go away after three months, youre considered to have a chronic sinus infection. "What we're seeing is something really tips these patients over the edge," says Roberts. Learn some practical steps you can take to ease your symptoms. In severe cases, you may need to be treated by an ear, nose and throat doctor. Talk to your teens about their mental health. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. Sinusitis. Stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. Sure Signs You're Getting Omicron Now, Say Doctors For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. Before Omicron, Moreno said, his COVID-19 patients used to feel sick for about 10 to 14 days. What are the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? Get the best food tips and diet Allergies or COVID-19: How to Spot the Difference - Verywell Health Yes. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. This all depends on the severity of the virus. "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. "People that are unvaccinated go through a little bit of a longer and tougher course," Moreno said. hide caption. 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. Suffering from a sinus infection? Note:Antibiotics wont help a viral infection, and taking anantibiotic unnecessarilycan do more harm than good. Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized." 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The omicron variant now represents nearly every Covid case sequenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! And among unvaccinated people, he says, an omicron infection can feel like the same unforgiving disease to him. Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. 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. "The difference was huge," says data scientist Rong Xu, who led the study and is also at Case Western Reserve University. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause. Subscribe. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. In most cases, when you have a runny nose, headache, and persistent cough, you have a common cold. 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. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. single Colds are usually transmitted via coughed or exhaled droplets or infected surfaces. In contrast, delta took about four days, and the original variant took more than five. "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed.