Can you do anything to get your taste back after a sinus infection? Infections like RSV and the flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. on Hearing Aids Better For Dementia Than Pills? For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. 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. Taking the time to properly rest and recover will help ensure your illness doesn't progress into something worse. About 80% of the patients at Yale New Haven Hospital are unvaccinated. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. Last medically reviewed on November 20, 2018, A sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen, infected, or inflamed. ; Duration: Whereas cold symptoms generally start to improve after . These include: The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is. The treatments for a sinus infection and COVID are very different. Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. "What we're seeing is something really tips these patients over the edge," says Roberts. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. A sinus infection is diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. Using a humidifier in your bedroom might help. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these, Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, Over 60? How to Treat a Mild Case of Omicron at Home, Walker says, "Most people will liken their Omicron symptoms to a head cold. 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 doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Nasal congestion and swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. 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. 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. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . 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. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. Or is it? "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. Congestion, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough are some examples of symptoms that the two share. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. The charts below show which Omicron symptoms are most common and how they compare to prior variants. 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. 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. 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. 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. But never had any serious fever beyond 100 and O2 levels were rock solid. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Learn about treatments to help release the pressure and clear up a toothache. The best ways to clear up viral infections are with the following methods: Viral infections cant be treated with antibiotics. The rise of the Omicron variant has only made the situation more complex. So how can you tell the difference? Often the focus of treatment involves managing the severity of symptoms as natural immunity takes over. Underlying allergy inflammation can lead to sinus infections. Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. This all depends on the severity of the virus. 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. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. 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. Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. 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. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. Before Omicron, Moreno said, his COVID-19 patients used to feel sick for about 10 to 14 days. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. A lost of smell or taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance. If you have COVID-19, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. While COVID cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. 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. All Rights Reserved. The three symptoms outlined by the NHS include a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. These block the immune systems histamine-producing response whenever you encounter an allergen. "So this is really something that's different between omicron and delta," Xu says. 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. The Zoe study uses a smartphone app to log how hundreds of thousands of people are feeling every day across the UK. Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. 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 . To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. If you get a COVID-19 test, remember to mask up and stay away from others until you get your test results. } ); 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. Sinus infections most often occur after a cold or an allergy flare-up or in relation to a nasal condition. Get the best food tips and diet advice Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. But it has taken longer to untangle what, if anything, sets an omicron illness apart from that of its predecessors. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. Allergy medications wont get rid of sinus infections, though. "Omicron versus delta are really more similar than they are different.". "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. A positive COVID-19 test means you need to isolate. 8. Whats the best way to remove skin tags, and why do they form in the first place? "People that are unvaccinated go through a little bit of a longer and tougher course," Moreno said. I have seen more patients with lingering sinusitis after Omicron COVID than prior variants. 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. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. Is There a Link Between a Low White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19? Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. With SARS-CoV-2, the big danger is that a mild illness will turn into a life-threatening one. But Omicron patients report fewer instances of fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. Drink clear fluids, such as water and broth. 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. Still, these two conditions have different causes and symptoms. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. For example, if you have a sinus infection that is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an allergy medicine. And among unvaccinated people, he says, an omicron infection can feel like the same unforgiving disease to him. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. 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. For example, make sure you wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, nose, or eyes during cold/flu season. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. And doctors are finding many of these cases tend to look like an ordinary upper respiratory infection. And among those who are vaccinated, almost all have not received a booster shot. Scientists are trying to figure out why. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized." I do encourage you to get the vaccine and the booster. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. Whats the Difference Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia? You have a stiff neck or swelling around the eyes. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. If they're reporting it, they're saying that their throat feels raw.". Some patients (about 10%) will have scalp tenderness, pain, and even sometimes PAINFUL HAIR! You may be a good candidate for allergy shots, which can lessen the way your body reacts to allergens over time. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. "This is a pretty different surge," says Dr. Brendan Carr, chair of emergency medicine for the Mount Sinai Health System where the emergency rooms are busier than ever but many of the COVID-19 patients are not sick enough to be admitted. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. 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. 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. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. The severe sore throat is often still. Another factor to look at is how long you've been sick. A sinus infection can happen after a viral illness but can also be caused by allergies. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person's risk factors for severe disease. 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%. advice every day. Thankfully, both of these conditions are treatable. A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. Policy. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. Three that have gained attention are nausea, night sweats and lower back pain. } else { Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Another difference is the timeline. Heres what you need to know about both kinds of infections and how to treat them. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. "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. sore throat. Several types of COVID tests are available. How Stress Increases the Risk of Getting COVID, "Stress compromises the immune system, throwing off its ability to fight illness," Walker states. Heather currently freelances for several publications. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem. Differences. 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. 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. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. If this persists, smell training therapy can help, though sometimes (rarely) this loss is permanent. Basically, when your immune system is already fighting off a disease, its easier for other pathogens to infect. 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. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. 1. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. 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. 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. 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. Also explore types, prevention, and more. Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated during cold and flu season. A December study from the University of Hong Kong, which hasn't been peer-reviewed, found that Omicron replicated 70 times faster in the main airways, or bronchi, compared with Delta, but 10 times slower in the lung tissue. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { A sinus infection, on the other hand, occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. If a bacterial infection is suspected, youll probably need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications. You should also make an appointment if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve despite home treatments. 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. But the omicron variant tends to share many of the same symptoms as the common cold. Sore throats were often coupled with sinus congestion and headache, he added, followed by a cough a day or so later. Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Bacterial sinus infection secondary to COVID-19 may be a cause for lingering loss of smell. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge). Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. If youre having symptoms, heres when you should call a doctor: Distinguishing between the common cold and sinus infections can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers. 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. On average, adults have two to four colds a year, with infants and young children experiencing six to eight. Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well. Are you contagious before COVID-19 symptoms appear? Get health and wellness tips and information from UNC Health experts once a month! When they become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause. Know your treatment options for COVID-19. 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. When it was discovered, omicron alarmed scientists. Some symptoms are more common in one condition than the other. "But people who are fresh, with no preexisting immunity, it's hard to see that the virus is milder. As more mucus is produced, buildup occurs and provides a place for bacteria to grow, which leads to infection. American Academy of Family Physicians. 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 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. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. 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. 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 . The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. As of February 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved two drugs to treat COVID-19: The FDA has granted emergency-use authorizations to a handful of medications that have not yet completed the formal FDA-approval process. Your doctor might take a watchful waiting approach to see if your immune system can fight the infection. Another preprint study, released earlier this month, showed that the viral load from an Omicron infection peaked in saliva one to two days before it peaked in nasal swabs a sign that Omicron may infect the throat before it infects the nose. But this apparent change in the disease that a severe infection in the lungs doesn't seem as common means fewer people need supplemental oxygen or intubation. 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. Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis, Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment, Infection by another virus, bacteria, or fungus, Allergy medications like the antihistamines, Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated, Antibiotics (for bacterial sinus infection), such as Moxatag (amoxicillin) or Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium). Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . While COVID and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are caused by completely different things. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. nausea or vomiting. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. An Ohio State dermatologist weighs in. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e, RELATED: How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast. Leukotriene antagonist drugs may be prescribed, and surgery may be considered in cases of a deviated septum. If you have respiratory symptoms, you might fear that you have COVID. Use a saline mist spray to hydrate nasal passages. What are the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? Facts about the common cold. 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. What Every Woman Needs to Know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. In adults and older children, RSV is typically a mild illness very similar to the common cold. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. Adults have sinuses behind their cheeks, nose, and forehead. 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. Your nose is all runny and stuffed up, and youre losing your sense of smell. hide caption. When in doubt, see your doctor. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. every day. A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. ", How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast, If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Managing a sinus infection? A sinus infection often follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Here's How to Look Decades Younger, 5 Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. Allergies can develop at any point in your life. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. Children's Health, Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact. 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. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. 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. "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. Talk through your symptoms, and then your provider can help you determine the best next steps, Dr. Ruff says. "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized. Most people dont require special treatment for the common cold, and theres no vaccine or outright cure.