2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. 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. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. 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. Both conditions can cause nasal inflammation, along with related symptoms, such as congestion and stuffy nose. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Vaccines help reduce the severity of disease, but Omicron may be a less virulent virus on its own. "The difference was huge," says data scientist Rong Xu, who led the study and is also at Case Western Reserve University. In other words, what you think of as the common cold. Some of these antihistamines also have an added decongestant to them. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. nausea or vomiting. That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. 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. A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. Your source for health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State. Policy. However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital. You can expect to experience many colds throughout your life. While sinus infections (also known as sinusitis) share many symptoms with the common cold and can be a complication of it, there are some key differences. What Is a Sinus Infection? Those symptoms include a runny nose or sniffles, a headache or body aches,. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. diarrhea. Underlying allergy inflammation can lead to sinus infections. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. This may be present with runny nose as well, usually on both sides. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID. Home remedies can often treat sinus drainage. You might need antibiotics for a sinus infection that does not get better on its own with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. hide caption. Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? And a small study from Norway found that, among . Doctors try not to prescribe antibiotics unless they are definitely necessary because the over-prescription of antibiotics contributes to the rise of bacteria that is resistant to these drugs. Managing 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. For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. While COVID and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are caused by completely different things. How long are you most contagious after a COVID-19 infection? Also, ask your doctor about supplements such as vitamin C to help boost your immune system. After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. 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. A sinus infection often follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. People with Omicron may report symptoms like nausea more often because loss of smell is less prevalent with the new variant, said Andrew Pekosz, a professor of molecular microbiology and. While COVID cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. You dont ever treat with antibiotics unless its been more than 10 to 14 days because, in that situation, you may have a bacterial infection, Dr. Ruff says. They are highly contagious, with younger children, seniors, those with respiratory conditions, and those with compromised immunity more prone. Get articles and stories about health, wellness, medicine, science and education delivered right to your inbox from the experts at Ohio State. How can you tell if you have a sinus infection or COVID-19? COVID-19 lasts for about a week or two depending on its severity and your overall health. 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. 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. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, Eat This, Not That! We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Because symptoms can overlap, I recommend discussing your condition with your physician and/or getting tested if you think youve got COVID-19. 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. 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. 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. 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. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the swelling of your sinuses. You cannot rule out COVID-19 without a test, says UNC Health family medicine physician Sarah Ruff, MD. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. Cleveland Clinic. Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. 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. Why Hospitals are Overcrowded with Omicron Patients, "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. It does, says otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD. 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. 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. A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. Nasal congestion and swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. 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. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. He added, "It's not as bad as it was." RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. While the chances are much better that you wont need medical attention, you shouldnt hesitate seeking it out if or when you need it. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. If you have COVID-19, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. 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 . Heres a quick breakdown: While most coldsand even sinus infectionsclear up on their own, its important to know when you need medical help. This is especially important as cases continue to rise. 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. Several studies have found that the incubation period the time it takes to develop symptoms after being exposed is about three days. 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. While in the past this has usually turned out to be a sinus infection, youre not so sure this time. I have started using montelukast orally post-covid to help block leukotriene cytokine response in the covid sinus patients. "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". Itchy, Red Eyes? The Zoe study uses a smartphone app to log how hundreds of thousands of people are feeling every day across the UK. Instead, your doctor lookslargelyat symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. During the pandemic, the general public has become more aware of COVID-19 symptoms. advice every day. For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. 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. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are usually taken for short-term relief. Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. Children's Wisconsin. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Facts about the common cold. Allergies can be chronic or seasonal, but avoidance and medication can help alleviate your symptoms. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. Learn some practical steps you can take to ease your symptoms. 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. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. Note:Antibiotics wont help a viral infection, and taking anantibiotic unnecessarilycan do more harm than good. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. 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. COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. 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. The nasal sinuses and the middle ear space or hollow pockets in the head and cranial bones that usually are filled with sterile air. Sinus infections can also cause loss of sense of taste or smell, higher fever, fatigue, and aches in the body. Some viral sinus infections, as when the condition is a complication of a common cold, can be contagious. "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. "A lot of this is probably magnifying these symptoms under a microscope instead of clear changes," he says. } Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones of your face that are usually filled with air. Theres a powerful story behind every headline at Ohio State Health & Discovery. Use a saline mist spray to hydrate nasal passages. Infections like RSV and the flu. Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. "What we're seeing is something really tips these patients over the edge," says Roberts. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. Also explore types, prevention, and more. The three symptoms outlined by the NHS include a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell. Simply because the Omicron variant is new, there's little research about its link to long COVID, the physical, neurological, and cognitive symptoms that can persist indefinitely after infection. Another difference is the timeline. 2015;152(2 Suppl):S1-S39. 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. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Your nose is all runny and stuffed up, and youre losing your sense of smell. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. The overlap in symptoms between COVID-19 and sinus infections (sinusitis) make it difficult to tell the two apart. 2023 UNC Health. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common colds. Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated during cold and flu season. Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. "People that are unvaccinated go through a little bit of a longer and tougher course," Moreno said. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. Learn more about the. While you can take an at-home COVID-19 test, these are not 100% accurate. Patients with severe COVID migraine/headache phenomenon may also suffer from some chronic COVID brain symptoms (like chemo brain for patients receiving toxic chemotherapy). The Anosmia/smell dysfunction returned and Im maybe even seeing this smell loss LAST LONGER than the original COVID variants. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! 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. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. Loss of your sense of taste and smell sometimes accompanies a sinus infection. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the air-filled pockets in the face, called sinuses, fill up with fluid, inflaming the sinus lining and preventing them from draining. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge). Sure Signs You're Getting Omicron Now, Say Doctors. A small study released Wednesday by a team of US researchers found that the viral load from an Omicron infection peaked in saliva one to two days before it peaked in nasal swabs, which may. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. Get the best food tips and diet "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. Proper diagnosis is essential, and the doctor will need to know whether you have viral or bacterial sinusitis. Sore throats were often coupled with sinus congestion and headache, he added, followed by a cough a day or so later. 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. Symptoms of COVID-19. Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. That all said, this reduction in risk doesn't mean omicron will be mild for everyone. 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. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UNC researchers are spreading the word about these disparities and starting a conversation about how to change them. At the same time, it appears anecdotally at least that certain symptoms show up more with omicron than they did with delta. It offers a comprehensive look at how COVID-19 symptoms have changed over the course of the pandemic most notably, with the advent of the Delta and Omicron variants. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. Many people liken it to a bad cold or 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. Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. You are not the only one! This may show up almost like non specific concussion symptoms with fatigue, mental fatigue, eye fatigue, non specific dizziness, feeling dizzy in wide open places, or feeling dizzy in busy indoor areas. "It's a very prominent symptom," said Moreno, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Suffering from a sinus infection? A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Get health and wellness tips and information from UNC Health experts once a month! If they have mild to moderate illness and can stay home, but they have certain medical comorbidities, an antiviral treatment may be offered. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. Health spoke with Julia Walker, a registered nurse with Paloma Health who explained symptoms to watch out for. Runny noses have been more common with COVID infections with the newer strains. ", 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. Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infectionsverydifferently. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe. Yes. 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. This leads to mucus buildup. 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. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The omicron variant now represents nearly every Covid case sequenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. xhr.send(payload); ", 3 The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. If they're reporting it, they're saying that their throat feels raw.". document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { The latest from Ohio State Health & Discovery delivered right to your inbox. If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . doi:10.1177/0194599815572097. Your doctor might check your mucus or do an imaging test to confirm the diagnosis. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. Cases of sinus infection that last longer than 12 weeks are considered chronic. Pay close attention to symptoms to determine if cause is sinus infection or allergies. A positive COVID-19 test means you need to isolate. OMICRON Original: Had much less loss of smell, but mostly sinus congestion symtpoms. Omicron seems to be milder, but does seem to cause infections in many people with the vaccine. If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis(nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and a decreased sense of smell lasting 12 weeks or longer)or you are getting frequent sinus infectionsyou should see your doctor, says Dr. Sindwani. "It just seems that people who have been vaccinated ahead of time are getting much milder symptoms across the board," he says. Whats the main difference between sinus infection and COVID-19? Doctors studying Omicron's spread around the world have found new clues to the pattern of symptoms caused by the highly-mutated COVID-19 variant, which a growing number of reports suggest might . But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. But as with any variant of SARS-CoV-2, your absolute risk depends on many factors, including whether you're vaccinated and boosted, your age, your overall health and your economic situation. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. 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. 1 Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. Scientists aren't sure why COVID-19 symptoms are changing. 2. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. Most people were sick 6-9 days. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. A sinus infection, on the other hand, occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. American Academy of Family Physicians. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. 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. 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. Sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. Physician, Associate Professor ", 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. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. But never had any serious fever beyond 100 and O2 levels were rock solid. If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. But Omicron patients report fewer instances of fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. A study published online on Jan. 2 provides some of the first compelling evidence from the U.S. that the chance of ending up in the hospital is lower with omicron compared with the delta variant.