Heather currently freelances for several publications. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. Colds are more common than sinus infections and symptoms tend to improve quicker. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. Several types of COVID tests are available. An X-ray can be the first line of defense for a health care provider to show whats happening inside your body. 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. Omicron has displaced the once-dominant delta variant in a matter of. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. "It just seems that people who have been vaccinated ahead of time are getting much milder symptoms across the board," he says. Scientists aren't sure why COVID-19 symptoms are changing. For example, make sure you wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, nose, or eyes during cold/flu season. They're napping more.". Meanwhile, 44% of people in that group reported a persistent cough, and 29% reported a fever. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. I have started using montelukast orally post-covid to help block leukotriene cytokine response in the covid sinus patients. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. But oddly about half of patients have no runny nose at this point. Occurring in an estimated 11.6% of American adults, these infections of the nasal passages tend to be more severe. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. The rise of the Omicron variant has only made the situation more complex. hide caption. Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. Infections like RSV and the flu. Scientists are trying to figure out why. 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. Learn more about what yellow, green, brown, black, and red. "Omicron versus delta are really more similar than they are different.". Note:Antibiotics wont help a viral infection, and taking anantibiotic unnecessarilycan do more harm than good. Most people dont require special treatment for the common cold, and theres no vaccine or outright cure. In most cases, they come back on their own, and treating the underlying cause of the sinusitis will usually bring them back. Ohio State Health & Discovery brings this expertise together to deliver todays most important health news and the deeper story behind the most powerful topics that affect the health of people, animals, society and the world. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. Learn more about the. After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. A runny nose and sneezing, congestion, and sore throat are a few symptoms that can pop up if you have . Common sinus infection bacteria are often Streptococcus species, Moraxella, or Haemophilus. 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. Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. ", RELATED: Over 60? The yellowish tinge comes from white blood cells that rush to the site of the infection and then are swept away after working . By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. I recommend that everyone stock up.. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. 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. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. "You don't get off scot-free just because you happen to be infected in the time of omicron. Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive sinus care: If your symptoms arent improving after one week, its important to see your doctor. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. 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. All Rights Reserved. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. Policy. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. Some patients (about 10%) will have scalp tenderness, pain, and even sometimes PAINFUL HAIR! 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. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. Get the best food tips and diet advice Its probably anothersinus infection. So maybe it was just something non covid related Anyway she was exhausted and couldn't work. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills. But former hallmarks of COVID-19 such as fevers, coughs, and loss of taste or smell had dwindled. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. A sinus infection occurs when viruses or bacteria cause inflammation and fluid buildup inside your sinuses. Both allergies and sinus infections can feel miserable. 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. "The cough is milder [than previous variants], if there's any cough at all, and fever seems to be a little less common.". Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens. This all depends on the severity of the virus. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Cleveland Clinic. 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. Many people report that one of the first symptoms of Omicron is a sore throat. They might recommend prescription medications instead. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. As with previous variants, the vast majority of people infected with omicron have a mix of symptoms that resolve relatively quickly and don't require hospital care. 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. Find our most recent COVID-19 articles here and learn the latest in COVID-19 prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. diarrhea. Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. } ); Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. Editors note: As what we know about COVID-19 evolves, so could the information in this story. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. 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. But never had any serious fever beyond 100 and O2 levels were rock solid. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. 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. Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. Discover how doctors determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial. For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. 2023 UNC Health. 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. 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. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! 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. Bishop S. (2013). Her symptoms were similar like a terrible sinus infection and congestion. The charts below show which Omicron symptoms are most common and how they compare to prior variants. Learn some practical steps you can take to ease your symptoms. Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment. 1 Both conditions can cause nasal inflammation, along with related symptoms, such as congestion and stuffy nose. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized. Therefore, treatment is much the same, where you can use over-the-counter nasal decongestants, lozenges for a sore throat, and acetaminophen to treat fever, headaches, and body aches. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. "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. The treatments for each condition are also different, which is why its important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Many patients started out with a dry, scratchy throat that caused sharp pain when they swallowed. 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. Did not lose taste or smell either. 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. By Emily Brown, MPH Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. In severe cases, you may need to be treated by an ear, nose and throat doctor. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Suite 200, Atlanta 30342, Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline Progression. While COVID cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system. RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. 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. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. Visit the link below to find UNC Health Care providers. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. 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. 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. Frequent handwashing is also a must. Instead, your doctor lookslargelyat symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. Or is it? OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized." if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Bugs are common during the winter months and with the circulation of Omicron it's important you can tell the difference Credit: Getty - Contributor. 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. In most cases, when you have a runny nose, headache, and persistent cough, you have a common cold. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. Sinusitis vs. COVID-19. "Many people are still going to be admitted to the ICU, and some people are still going to need to have mechanical ventilation.". Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. The overlap in symptoms between COVID-19 and sinus infections (sinusitis) make it difficult to tell the two apart. 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. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. The lists of symptoms below are just a starting point and do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or a sinus infection. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Sinusitis can occur at any time of the year, but it tends to flare up in cold and flu season and during allergy seasons. Facts about the common cold. Differences. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. Children's Health, Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe. "But people who are fresh, with no preexisting immunity, it's hard to see that the virus is milder. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. 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. Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. Whats the Difference Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia? Continue taking allergy meds, if you did so previously. } 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. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). Typically we allow 7 to 10 days for an acute sinus infection to resolve on its own, but after this point antibiotics or anti-inflammatories or other specialized medications may be needed. 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 . Loss of your sense of taste and smell sometimes accompanies a sinus infection. 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. } else { And unlike the common cold, sinus infections can be of both viral and bacterial origin. Sinusitis. Asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are considered contagious for five days after a positive test. The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. But experts say symptoms are more like colds and medics have urged the . Its always better to be safe than sorry. 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. If they're reporting it, they're saying that their throat feels raw.". For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. A sinus infection often follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. I have seen more patients with lingering sinusitis after Omicron COVID than prior variants. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. However this leaves the susceptible person open to sinus infections and ear infections caused by bacteria that may last for several more weeks. Still, these two conditions have different causes and symptoms. Your Face Mask Can Help, How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Aside from what causes them, this includes another battery of more unique symptoms. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. Talk through your symptoms, and then your provider can help you determine the best next steps, Dr. Ruff says. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. Bacterial and fungal sinus infections often arise this way. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive sinus care: Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril . If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. 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). A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. Sore throats were often coupled with sinus congestion and headache, he added, followed by a cough a day or so later. Like the science and discovery news you find here? Body aches and fatigue seem to linger longer. 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. In general, people are contagious for two to three days before COVID-19 symptoms start. Typically, the loss of sense of smell associated with a sinus infection is going to be accompanied by more significant symptoms such as facial pain/pressure. Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. 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. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. Omicron seems to be milder, but does seem to cause infections in many people with the vaccine. Most of those patients were vaccinated, he said, so their symptoms tended to be milder and relatively short-lived. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. Allergies can develop at any point in your life. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Allergies are also treated with antihistamines. 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. 2. Heres a quick breakdown: While most coldsand even sinus infectionsclear up on their own, its important to know when you need medical help. Its also important for doctors to ascertain whether youre experiencing a viral or bacterial infection as that can influence treatment. To help you figure it out, lets take a closer look at sinusitis. Stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. 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. What those hospital numbers don't tell us is what a typical case looks like. A study from the U.K. government, published last week, found that three doses of vaccine cuts the risk of hospitalization due to omicron by about 80% compared with a person who's not vaccinated at all. Three that have gained attention are nausea, night sweats and lower back pain. Most sinus infections are viral. They can run tests to determine whether or not you have COVID, a sinus infection, or another condition. runny nose stuffy nose sore throat "Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less likely to invade the lungs," Dr. Singh says. 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. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. Pay close attention to symptoms to determine if cause is sinus infection or allergies. congestion or runny nose. Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. 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. Cases of sinus infection that last longer than 12 weeks are considered chronic. ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 Some common sinus infection treatments include: According to the CDC, antibiotics are usually not needed for viral sinus infections. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. You are not the only one! 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 . Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. Getting a flu shot will help protect you from the flu virus, which can cause inflammation in your sinuses and lead to a sinus infection. 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. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. If you develop any respiratory symptoms and they do not seem to be getting better, its important to see your doctor. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the infection. 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. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis. Possible signs and symptoms of a sinus infection include: The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 often involve the respiratory system, but they can also occur in other parts of the body. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. 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. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. 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. Omicron, the latest variant, is spreading like wildfire across the globe, leading Dr. Anthony Fauci, . 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. How can you tell if you have a sinus infection or COVID-19? However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. 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. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. sore throat. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? As with sinus infections, symptom management as your body develops immunity and fights off the infection is central to care. Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy.