For example, if you have a sinus infection that is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an allergy medicine. "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. Continue taking allergy meds, if you did so previously. Visit the link below to find UNC Health Care providers. But oddly about half of patients have no runny nose at this point. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. Your nose is all runny and stuffed up, and youre losing your sense of smell. Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. This common infection requires antibiotics. (By contrast, with the original version of the virus, the rate was 1 in 10. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e, RELATED: How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast. 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. Is your cold really a sinus infection? "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "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. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. Discover how doctors determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial. If they have mild to moderate illness and can stay home, but they have certain medical comorbidities, an antiviral treatment may be offered. What to Know About Fibromyalgia and COVID-19, Antigen vs. Antibody: Differences and COVID-19 Testing. Fatigue. Your source for health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State. But never had any serious fever beyond 100 and O2 levels were rock solid. (2016). "A lot of this is probably magnifying these symptoms under a microscope instead of clear changes," he says. Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. Were hopeful that most people with COVID-19 regain their smell back, but unfortunately many do not. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. "In this period, we still have delta circulating in the community. If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. If you get a COVID-19 test, remember to mask up and stay away from others until you get your test results. 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. After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. In addition, some symptoms of each are not present in the other. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. And after COVID being around for almost 2 years now, it's no surprise that people are starting to become less reactive to it. Her symptoms were similar like a terrible sinus infection and congestion. Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. Using a humidifier in your bedroom might help. 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). Sinusitis. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? 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. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. The symptoms of sinus infection tend to come on . Treating your allergy symptoms early on can also help prevent your allergies from getting out of control. And just like earlier variants, omicron can't be defined as causing only a narrow group of symptoms. 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. Is it a cold or sinus infection? There was a strong tendency toward SEVERE SORE THROAT and even GI upset moreso. Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills. What Is a Sinus Infection? He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. A positive COVID-19 test means you need to isolate. In particular, Xu and her team observed a similar reduction in risk across all age groups, including children under age 5, who are not eligible for vaccination, and children ages 5 to 15, who may have been vaccinated but haven't been boosted. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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 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. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. 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. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. This can mean a cold or infection that's progressing. The boosted people, in many cases it's almost like an old cold: the sinus symptoms, the sore throat.". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Differences. } By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. The severe sore throat is often still. However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital. He added, "It's not as bad as it was." "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. All Rights Reserved. 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. Sinusitis vs. COVID-19. 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. 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. Even your doctor cant tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.. 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. Aside from what causes them, this includes another battery of more unique symptoms. For example, if you have seasonal allergies to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the counts are at their highest. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the swelling of your sinuses. Still, these two conditions have different causes and symptoms. nausea or vomiting. xhr.send(payload); Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function. You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. 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 . 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%. A sinus infection often follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. Use a saline mist spray to hydrate nasal passages. Discover risk factors such as sinus infections. Get the best food tips and diet Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. If a bacterial infection is suspected, youll probably need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications. COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. Suite 200, Atlanta 30342, Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline Progression. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. 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. Get the best food tips and diet advice COVID-19 can only be diagnosed through a test that specifically looks for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your body. Did not lose taste or smell either. Those two conditions were "a hallmark of the first disease and of delta and not nearly as prominent in omicron," says Mount Sinai's Carr. 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. Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. In other words, what you think of as the common cold. Like the science and discovery news you find here? How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. You have a stiff neck or swelling around the eyes. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. COVID-19 is only caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. All rights reserved. runny nose stuffy nose sore throat "Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less likely to invade the lungs," Dr. Singh says. Another not-yet-peer-reviewed study, published on Wednesday, found that Omicron inherently reduced the risk of severe hospitalization or death from COVID-19 by 25% compared with Delta. When in doubt, see your doctor. sore throat. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. This type of reaction is caused by a negative response to a substance. However, these conditions arent the same thing. 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 The lists of symptoms below are just a starting point and do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 or a sinus infection. Note:Antibiotics wont help a viral infection, and taking anantibiotic unnecessarilycan do more harm than good. The Anosmia/smell dysfunction returned and Im maybe even seeing this smell loss LAST LONGER than the original COVID variants. Your Face Mask Can Help, How To Protect Yourself From New COVID-19 Variants. They might also choose delayed prescribing, where they prescribe an antibiotic for you but suggest that you wait a few days before taking it to see if the infection clears up on its own. single How to protect yourself & others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. Subscribe. 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. I have seen more patients with lingering sinusitis after Omicron COVID than prior variants. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. 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. Taking the time to properly rest and recover will help ensure your illness doesn't progress into something worse. 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. Like the science and discovery news you find here? "But people who are fresh, with no preexisting immunity, it's hard to see that the virus is milder. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. 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. OMICRON VARIANT BA.2: These started popping up late December 21. Underlying allergy inflammation can lead to sinus infections. The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. Thankfully, both of these conditions are treatable. Stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. ", "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. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. 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. Both allergies and sinus infections can feel miserable. Also, the more stressed you are, the more likely you may experience more severe symptoms or a longer duration of illness. 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. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. Your doctor will decide which is appropriate based on factors like your symptoms and whether you know you were exposed to someone with the virus. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. 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. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. And doctors are finding a key difference among their patients who are ending up in the ER or being admitted: Many are neither struggling to breathe nor dealing with perilously low oxygen levels. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. 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. 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. They need rest. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis. While the data doesn't distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, 70% of the UK population has had at least two vaccine doses as of Thursday. How Stress Increases the Risk of Getting COVID, "Stress compromises the immune system, throwing off its ability to fight illness," Walker states. Read our, Causes and Risk Factors of Sinus Infection, COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know, Have Spring Allergies? 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.