And the smell loss has been worse than the summer Delta surge. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. American Lung Association. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. We've all experienced a cold before and it is no fun. If a person did end up in the hospital, the person's risk of being admitted to the ICU or being put on a ventilator also decreased substantially at the end of December compared with during the delta surge. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); 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. If you know youre allergic to pollen and that pollen season is around the corner, start taking your antihistamine ahead of time. If you test negative but still have symptoms or were exposed, your doctor might want you to be tested again in a few days. 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. COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms. Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. 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. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. We've rounded up the seven best decongestants to help relieve your pressure, pain, and congestion. ", RELATED: Secret Weight Loss Tricks to Melt Visceral Fat, Science Says, 4 But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. Policy. We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. "The cough is milder [than previous variants], if there's any cough at all, and fever seems to be a little less common.". Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. Itchy, Red Eyes? Scientists are trying to figure out why. 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. Get the best food tips and diet Culture techniques or even PCR technology may be used to identify specific pathogens. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! Pain at the top of the head is often found with occult sphenoid sinusitis, which can cause a serious infection of the eyes and even meningitis. hide caption. Like the science and discovery news you find here? Its always better to be safe than sorry. And doctors are finding many of these cases tend to look like an ordinary upper respiratory infection. If you have respiratory symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor. Sore throats were often coupled with sinus congestion and headache, he added, followed by a cough a day or so later. Fatigue. Its also important to avoid being around people who are sick. Most people were sick 6-9 days. They need rest. "What we're seeing is something really tips these patients over the edge," says Roberts. every day. Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { You have a fever (over 100.4 degrees) that persists beyond a few days. You may be a good candidate for allergy shots, which can lessen the way your body reacts to allergens over time. 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. For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home. So how can you tell the difference? 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 . } Certainly, while most healthy people will only have mild symptoms, this virus still can cause severe illness in people who are immunosuppressed, including the elderly. 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. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. However, an allergy cough is wet, while a COVID-19 cough is dry; and fatigue with allergies tends to be milder than fatigue associated with COVID-19. 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. You might be able to get an over-the-counter test at your local pharmacy or have a test performed at a local health clinic or pharmacy that is sent off to a lab. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. There are several ways to treat a sinus infection. 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 "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". Colds are usually transmitted via coughed or exhaled droplets or infected surfaces. Dust mite allergies can be alleviated with weekly house cleanings and bedding washes. Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are usually taken for short-term relief. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. Get articles and stories about health, wellness, medicine, science and education delivered right to your inbox from the experts at Ohio State. ", RELATED: Over 60? "Just like previous variants, omicron is hospitalizing people and it is killing people.". To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. 1 When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. All Rights Reserved. Learn more about what yellow, green, brown, black, and red. 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. Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images "But people who are fresh, with no preexisting immunity, it's hard to see that the virus is milder. "You don't get off scot-free just because you happen to be infected in the time of omicron. Learn more about how we use your information by reading our Privacy Policy. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); "It's not like a little tickle in the throat. Learn more about the. 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. Congestion, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough are some examples of symptoms that the two share. In infants and the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. The three symptoms outlined by the NHS include a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell. 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. A key difference between the common cold and COVID-19 is the incubation period (time of exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults have sinuses behind their cheeks, nose, and forehead. Use saline spray two to three times per day in each nostril. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause. Know your treatment options for COVID-19. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Its probably anothersinus infection. 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. 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. 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. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. They might recommend prescription medications instead. Loss of smell was also relatively rare among Omicron patients. Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated during cold and flu season. 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. At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. 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. Children's Wisconsin. 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. COVID-19 is only caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 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. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the infection. You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. The yellowish tinge comes from white blood cells that rush to the site of the infection and then are swept away after working . However really anyone is susceptible to sinusitis every once in a while. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. However their natural ventilation tracts tracks can get blocked off allowing for nearby bacteria to take hold and cause painful swelling and infections. Bacterial sinus infection secondary to COVID-19 may be a cause for lingering loss of smell. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. Indeed, hospitalizations across the U.S. now stand at more than 126,000, and more than 1 in every 4 ICU beds is filled with a COVID-19 patient, according to the latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services. The charts below show which Omicron symptoms are most common and how they compare to prior variants. Patients with severe COVID migraine/headache phenomenon may also suffer from some chronic COVID brain symptoms (like chemo brain for patients receiving toxic chemotherapy). How Stress Increases the Risk of Getting COVID, "Stress compromises the immune system, throwing off its ability to fight illness," Walker states. Most people dont require special treatment for the common cold, and theres no vaccine or outright cure. If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. This article explains how to tell the difference between a a sinus infection and COVID-19. Learn some practical steps you can take to ease your symptoms. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. 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. 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. Allergies are also treated with antihistamines. 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. 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. He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing,. The highly contagious variant continues to spread across the U.S. and many hospitals remain overcrowded with COVID patients. "Omicron versus delta are really more similar than they are different.". Taking the time to properly rest and recover will help ensure your illness doesn't progress into something worse. ", 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. But it has taken longer to untangle what, if anything, sets an omicron illness apart from that of its predecessors. The rapid ones are getting better and better as far as accuracy goes. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. ), "The risk is not zero," says Xu's colleague Davis, speaking of omicron. A viral sinus infection will usually begin to improve after five to seven days. And among unvaccinated people, he says, an omicron infection can feel like the same unforgiving disease to him. However patients with a history of relapsing sinus infections may have more difficult bacteria such as Staphylococcus or very tricky non typical respiratory bacteria. 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. Managing a sinus infection? The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. Common sinus infection bacteria are often Streptococcus species, Moraxella, or Haemophilus. But Roberts says it's still quite rare for people who are vaccinated and boosted to get seriously ill from omicron. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. 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. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. 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. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. If this persists, smell training therapy can help, though sometimes (rarely) this loss is permanent. A sinus infection can happen after a viral illness but can also be caused by allergies. They are highly contagious, with younger children, seniors, those with respiratory conditions, and those with compromised immunity more prone. Sinusitis occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash. How can you tell if you have a sinus infection or COVID-19? You can expect to experience many colds throughout your life. 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? Doctors treat viral and bacterial sinus infectionsverydifferently. But former hallmarks of COVID-19 such as fevers, coughs, and loss of taste or smell had dwindled. How can you tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial based on your symptoms? Whats the best way to remove skin tags, and why do they form in the first place? 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. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. "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. } Most often its the result of an infection and can be caused by viruses, bacteria and, less commonly, fungi. American Academy of Family Physicians. The omicron variant now represents nearly every Covid case sequenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus. Sarah Ruff, MD is a family medicine physician at UNC Family Medicine at Southpoint. Sinus infections, and related sinus pressure, can cause toothaches. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. 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. While you can take an at-home COVID-19 test, these are not 100% accurate. She also ended up with a painful double ear infection. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. Sinuses are the hollow spaces in the bones of your face that are usually filled with air. 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 face mask, 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, and to ensure your health don't miss these 101 Health Habits You Didn't Know Were Deadly. For example, make sure you wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, nose, or eyes during cold/flu season. ", 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. 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. Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. 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. When it was discovered, omicron alarmed scientists. 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. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. 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. 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. Get the best food tips and diet advice I have started using montelukast orally post-covid to help block leukotriene cytokine response in the covid sinus patients. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. Xu and her team estimate that, in their study, about 60% of the people were vaccinated. Suffering from a sinus 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. If they're reporting it, they're saying that their throat feels raw.". Your provider may prescribe antibiotics if your symptoms last longer than 10 to 14 days. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse. Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. This is especially important as cases continue to rise. Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. Sure Signs You're Getting Omicron Now, Say Doctors. Allergies can be chronic or seasonal, but avoidance and medication can help alleviate your symptoms. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. How long are you most contagious after a COVID-19 infection? And after COVID being around for almost 2 years now, it's no surprise that people are starting to become less reactive to it. 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. "People that are vaccinated have a middle-of-the-way course. 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. Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. While you may experience a fever, headache, and cough if you have COVID, you can also have these and other respiratory symptoms if you have another infection or condition. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. Some patients of course are much more ill, with about 5 to 10% needing hospital care, and for those patients sinus infection or ear symptoms may go untreated for longer. 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. Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. This leads to mucus buildup. 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. With some of these key differences in mind, you may be able to figure out whether youre dealing with allergies or sinusitis and take the necessary steps to start feeling better. 2023 UNC Health. Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Colds are more common than sinus infections and symptoms tend to improve quicker. If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. By contrast, fatigue became more pronounced among outpatients, who often reported feeling tired and achy, Moreno said. The symptoms of the common cold arise within one to two days of infection. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. Youre experiencing changes in vision or mental function.
