OMICRON VARIANT BA.2: These started popping up late December 21. We avoid using tertiary references. If you are two weeks after your COVID-19 was diagnosed, and have recovered otherwise but need a visit for sinus evaluation, call us today. 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. Your source for health, wellness, innovation and discovery news from the experts at Ohio State. Symptoms of a sinus infection may also include dental pain, bad breath, green or yellow mucus, and facial pain. Glasses vs. contacts: Which is safer for eyes. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. If you develop any respiratory symptoms and they do not seem to be getting better, its important to see your doctor. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. Normally they're filled with air. 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. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. The treatments for each condition are also different, which is why its important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. That consistency, Xu says, suggests the reduction in severity is due, in part, to something inherent with omicron itself and not simply because of changes in vaccination status. Children's Health, Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. And unlike the common cold, sinus infections can be of both viral and bacterial origin. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. Infections like RSV and the flu. 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. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. Although that could definitely still happen with omicron, the risk appears to be lower than it was with delta. Or is it? Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. Along with falling temperatures and shorter days, sinus infections are a common part of winter. The latest from Ohio State Health & Discovery delivered right to your inbox. 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. "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. Be on . If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. 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. Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, but bacterial infections also can cause it. 8. You cant, unfortunatelybecause the symptoms are so similar, you should be tested for COVID-19. If symptoms persist or worsen after 10 days, doctors may prescribe: Chronic sinus infection requires additional treatment focused on managing the severity of symptoms. South Africa's largest health insurer listed nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat, dry cough and lower back pain as common Omicron symptoms. Its thought that the initial site of COVID-19 entry for most patients is the nasal passages. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. While it's welcome news that omicron is easier on the lungs, ProHEALTH's Griffin says it's not that way for some of his patients. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. Bugs are common during the winter months and with the circulation of Omicron it's important you can tell the difference Credit: Getty - Contributor. Sore throat Hoarse voice Cough Fatigue Nasal congestion Runny nose Headache Muscle aches Unlike earlier variants like delta that affected the lungs, omicron and its subvariants tend to cause more. Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it. Its also important to avoid being around people who are sick. (By contrast, with the original version of the virus, the rate was 1 in 10. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. However, sinus infections have rarely been associated with COVID. "What we're seeing is something really tips these patients over the edge," says Roberts. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. 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. Causes: The common cold arises due to infection from any of 200 viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common.While viral infections also cause most sinus infections, more severe types arise due to bacteria exposure. "In this period, we still have delta circulating in the community. While COVID and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are caused by completely different things. You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands . Theres a powerful story behind every headline at Ohio State Health & Discovery. ), "The risk is not zero," says Xu's colleague Davis, speaking of omicron. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, What to Know About Pneumonia and COVID-19. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. The main difference between COVID and a sinus infection is what causes them. Additionally, if you have any symptoms which are in any way associated with COVID-19, you should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding testing and quarantining and contact your healthcare provider. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. They might recommend prescription medications instead. "The difference was huge," says data scientist Rong Xu, who led the study and is also at Case Western Reserve University. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. After all, COVID-19 is running rampant throughout the world and loss of sense of smell is one of the signs of infection. 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. 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. single People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The symptoms of sinus infection tend to come on . They canoccurwith viral infections, too. "Their symptoms are resolved. If your infections occur more frequently, and your doctor really wants to establish if they are bacterial or viral, your Otolaryngologist or ear, nose and throat doctor can sample the snot from your nose when youre infected and send it to a laboratory to know for sure. With information suggesting that symptoms are mild, hospitalizations are low despite some of the highest rates of infection to date, and reports that it isn't infecting the lungs as much as other strains it's no surprise that the general feeling with this variant is more relaxed than with others. 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. With SARS-CoV-2, the big danger is that a mild illness will turn into a life-threatening one. 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. 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. Like the science and discovery news you find here? Most sinus infections are caused by viral infections, such as those that cause the common cold, including the rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While the chances are much better that you wont need medical attention, you shouldnt hesitate seeking it out if or when you need it. Its also important for doctors to ascertain whether youre experiencing a viral or bacterial infection as that can influence treatment. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. However, there are a few key differences. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are usually taken for short-term relief. Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. 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. While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult. 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. 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 ); Sinus infection (sinusitis). Here's How to Look Decades Younger, "While the variant is considered less severe, more people have it than ever before and people are not isolated like in the early phases of the pandemic," says Walker. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. Congestion, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough are some examples of symptoms that the two share. ", 3 The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. 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. This can mean a cold or infection that's progressing. Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. How Stress Increases the Risk of Getting COVID, "Stress compromises the immune system, throwing off its ability to fight illness," Walker states.