Scientists are trying to figure out why. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. "So this is really something that's different between omicron and delta," Xu says. An Ohio State dermatologist weighs in. 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. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. The boosted people, in many cases it's almost like an old cold: the sinus symptoms, the sore throat.". Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge). Some viral sinus infections, as when the condition is a complication of a common cold, can be contagious. 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. Sometimes rinsing out your sinuses can help. 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. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. Be on . As we enter the second winter season of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can still be confusing trying to tell the difference between winter allergies and COVID symptoms. 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. Sinusitis. Allergies occur as a result of your immune systems reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Patients with severe COVID migraine/headache phenomenon may also suffer from some chronic COVID brain symptoms (like chemo brain for patients receiving toxic chemotherapy). "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. A 2020 study surveyed 270 outpatients with. It also details treatment options for both, why a proper diagnosis is important, and when to see your healthcare provider. If you have severe congestion with either, then an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription decongestant can help by breaking up mucus in your nasal cavities. In most cases, they resolve without the need for medical care. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis. 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. "People that are unvaccinated go through a little bit of a longer and tougher course," Moreno said. For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. In general, people are contagious for two to three days before COVID-19 symptoms start. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. OMICRON VARIANT BA.2: These started popping up late December 21. Asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are considered contagious for five days after a positive test. Fatigue. 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. If you have respiratory symptoms, you might fear that you have COVID. What those hospital numbers don't tell us is what a typical case looks like. During the pandemic, the general public has become more aware of COVID-19 symptoms. He added, "It's not as bad as it was." Use a saline mist spray to hydrate nasal passages. Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Culture techniques or even PCR technology may be used to identify specific pathogens. The severe sore throat is often still. 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. As more mucus is produced, buildup occurs and provides a place for bacteria to grow, which leads to infection. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your nasal passages get infected. 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. 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. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. A doctor may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery if you're experiencing recurrent sinus infections or have a sinus blockage. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. 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 ); Common colds. 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. "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. 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. 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. How can you tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial based on your symptoms? A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. For people who are at high risk for severe disease, such as older people or those with underlying health issues, the chance of being hospitalized is still quite significant. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); If you have COVID-19, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. Sinus infection (sinusitis): types, causes, symptoms & treatment. And this reflects what doctors across the country are now seeing firsthand with their patients. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. "If we have a patient who's younger, if we have a patient who's vaccinated, if we have a patient who recently recovered from delta, we're tending to see very mild disease with omicron," says Griffin. "Omicron can present in a myriad of different ways," he says. Her symptoms were similar like a terrible sinus infection and congestion. Visit the link below to find UNC Health Care providers. Suffering from a sinus infection? Discover how doctors determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial. 2023 UNC Health. Lately, he said, people who received a booster shot reported shorter bouts of illness than those who received fewer doses or none at all. If you test negative but still have symptoms or were exposed, your doctor might want you to be tested again in a few days. The loss of smell most commonly is resolved by 3 months, but about 20% of patients will have smell loss longer, and about 5% may have permanent loss of smell. But Omicron patients report fewer instances of fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. 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. LOSS OF SMELL is happening in about 50% of patients with Delta Variant COVID. COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 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. And is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria and does it really matter? Feminine Odor Problems? These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. Heather currently freelances for several publications. They need rest. Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated during cold and flu season. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. Whether your sinus infection turns out to be viral or bacterial, you can help to ease your symptoms early on with supportive sinus care: If your symptoms arent improving after one week, its important to see your doctor. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. Is your cold really a sinus infection? ", How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast, If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Xu and her colleagues found that the risk of needing to go to the ER dropped from about 15% during the delta surge to 5% during the early omicron surge (about a 70% decrease) and the risk of being hospitalized dropped from 4% to 2% (or by 50%). Additionally, allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the sinuses may increase the risk of developing sinusitis. I have started using montelukast orally post-covid to help block leukotriene cytokine response in the covid sinus patients. 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. The two conditions share many characteristics, and in some cases, sinus infections arise as a complication of colds. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. 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. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick, Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days, Facial pain (pain or pressure in your cheeks, nose, ears, and forehead, or between your eyes), Swelling around the eyes (may get worse in the morning), Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Over-the-counter pain relievers (to relieve aches and fever), Allergy medication (if allergies are a cause), Veklury (remdesivir), an antiviral drug, for adults and children, Olumiant (baricitinib), and immune modulator, for certain hospitalized adults, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir), oral antiviral medications for people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 cases and are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and death, Taking medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to reduce fever, Staying hydrated (drinking plenty of water or receiving intravenous fluids, if necessary), Medications to treat complications (e.g., blood thinners to treat blood clots), Treatments to reduce an overactive immune response and/or support the bodys immune function, Maintain social distance (six feet apart) between you and people who do not live with you, Avoid crowds and indoor spaces with poor ventilation, Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and/or workplace daily. "Their symptoms are resolved. Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. Your source for health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State. However, if your doctor thinks your sinus infection is bacteria-related, they may prescribe an antibiotic. } ); Continue taking allergy meds, if you did so previously. single 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. congestion or runny nose. "It just seems that people who have been vaccinated ahead of time are getting much milder symptoms across the board," he says. You cant, unfortunatelybecause the symptoms are so similar, you should be tested for COVID-19. Distinguishing between the common cold and sinus infections can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers alike. If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. 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 . Although that could definitely still happen with omicron, the risk appears to be lower than it was with delta. 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. Omicron seems to be milder, but does seem to cause infections in many people with the vaccine. Get health and wellness tips and information from UNC Health experts once a month! Your nose is all runny and stuffed up, and youre losing your sense of smell. Most sinus infections are viral. 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. COVID-19 is also causing loss of smell in most-if-not-all patients for a short time (some patients have been slow to recover). With SARS-CoV-2, the big danger is that a mild illness will turn into a life-threatening one. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. 1. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. 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. As at earlier stages in the pandemic, many patients are still having some combination of fever, gastrointestinal problems, aches and pains, brain fog, weakness and, less often, trouble breathing, says Mount Sinai's Carr. 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. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. Facts about the common cold. Both allergies and sinus infections can feel miserable. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. The nasal sinuses and the middle ear space or hollow pockets in the head and cranial bones that usually are filled with sterile air. Can you do anything to get your taste back after a sinus infection? If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. An X-ray can be the first line of defense for a health care provider to show whats happening inside your body. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact our webmaster at. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. Bacterial sinus infection secondary to COVID-19 may be a cause for lingering loss of smell. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. But never had any serious fever beyond 100 and O2 levels were rock solid. Adults have sinuses behind their cheeks, nose, and forehead. Sarah Ruff, MD is a family medicine physician at UNC Family Medicine at Southpoint. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? 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. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? In other words, what you think of as the common cold. What Is a Sinus Infection? Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. You may be a good candidate for allergy shots, which can lessen the way your body reacts to allergens over time. There was a strong tendency toward SEVERE SORE THROAT and even GI upset moreso. Specifically, the risk of being admitted to the ICU fell from 0.8% to 0.4% (or by 50%) and the chance of being put on a ventilator fell from 0.4% to 0.1%. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. Additionally, people with allergies and nasal polyps (growths) in the nasal and facial cavities are at greater risk of developing a sinus infection. Get the best food tips and diet Whats the Difference Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia? Are you contagious before COVID-19 symptoms appear? By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. About 80% of the patients at Yale New Haven Hospital are unvaccinated. And doctors are finding many of these cases tend to look like an ordinary upper respiratory infection. Mild, coldlike symptoms such as sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses were increasingly common. Another factor to look at is how long you've been sick. 8. 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. ", RELATED: Over 60? This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. These cases may require additional treatment or surgery. 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. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses.