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. While you can take an at-home COVID-19 test, these are not 100% accurate. As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. 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. 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. If a bacterial infection is suspected, youll probably need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection and prevent further complications. It's inflammation or swelling of your sinuses. Subscribe. 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. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath. ", How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast, If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Body aches and fatigue seem to linger longer. And just like earlier variants, omicron can't be defined as causing only a narrow group of symptoms. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. Sinus infections most often occur after a cold or an allergy flare-up or in relation to a nasal condition. 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. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. Xu and her team estimate that, in their study, about 60% of the people were vaccinated. For example, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing are more likely with COVID-19, while facial pain is more specific to a sinus infection. Yellow mucus. A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Feminine Odor Problems? Additionally, some people who have COVID do not have any symptoms. You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands . "Their symptoms are resolved. The symptoms of a sinus infection include coughing, congestion fever and headacheall of which are symptoms of COVID-19, too. Sinus infections, and related sinus pressure, can cause toothaches. And theyre better than nothing, especially on a weekend if you dont have other choices, Dr. Ruff says. However, if your doctor thinks your sinus infection is bacteria-related, they may prescribe an antibiotic. "Cough is still part of the symptoms," Moreno said. Even though early data shows that omicron is milder than delta, many hospitals are packed because the sheer number of people getting infected is enormous. These observations also line up with lab research that shows omicron does not replicate in lung tissue as well as delta. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. Did not lose taste or smell either. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when your nasal passages get infected. A sinus infection, sinusitis, occurs when your sinuses become inflamedand blocked. Be on . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. They are highly contagious, with younger children, seniors, those with respiratory conditions, and those with compromised immunity more prone. The two share certain symptoms, but also have differences. The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. For example, if you have a sinus infection that is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe an allergy medicine. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. Sinusitis can occur at any time of the year, but it tends to flare up in cold and flu season and during allergy seasons. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. 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. 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. Lately, he said, people who received a booster shot reported shorter bouts of illness than those who received fewer doses or none at all. However, bacterial sinusitis cant be transmitted from person to person. COVID-19 often causes sinus and upper respiratory symptoms such as loss of smell, congestion, and a severe headache. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. This was the case even before omicron: People who had breakthrough infections tended to have fewer symptoms and milder ones than those who were unvaccinated. So how can you tell the difference? Many locations offer drive-thru COVID-19 tests, or you can buy a rapid test from your local pharmacy, which gives you results in about 15 minutes. However, Omicron should not be blown off or not taken seriously. If symptoms persist or worsen after 10 days, doctors may prescribe: Chronic sinus infection requires additional treatment focused on managing the severity of symptoms. Almost as soon as Omicron started spreading, doctors noticed slight differences in their patients' symptoms relative to prior variants. COVID-19 can only be diagnosed through a test that specifically looks for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in your body. A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. 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 ); In most cases, they come back on their own, and treating the underlying cause of the sinusitis will usually bring them back. 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. And a small study from Norway found that, among . You cant, unfortunatelybecause the symptoms are so similar, you should be tested for COVID-19. Allergies are also treated with antihistamines. The three symptoms outlined by the NHS include a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell. The Anosmia/smell dysfunction returned and Im maybe even seeing this smell loss LAST LONGER than the original COVID variants. There are differences, but step one if you start to feel bad is to get a COVID test.. However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital. And most of all, does this variant cause less severe disease than the variants that have come before it? While COVID and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are caused by completely different things. Its always better to be safe than sorry. 1 Signs of Omicron iStock Walker says, "Omicron symptoms tend to be more concentrated on the upper respiratory tract. 8. Runny noses have been more common with COVID infections with the newer strains. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. But never had any serious fever beyond 100 and O2 levels were rock solid. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. 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. This causes an inflammation of the tissues, preventing mucus from exiting the body, and making the sinuses a kind of breeding-ground for germs. The two conditions share many characteristics, and in some cases, sinus infections arise as a complication of colds. You cant, on the other hand, fully prevent allergies. What Every Woman Needs to Know, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. Sinusitis occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. Still, doctors have noticed a clear gradient of symptoms based on a person's vaccination status. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He added, "It's not as bad as it was." While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult. cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. Managing a sinus infection? If you've been exposed to Omicron or think you have the virus, who explained symptoms to watch out for. Using a humidifier in your bedroom might help. Allergy and sinus infection treatments share some similarities and differences. 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. 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). Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. What are the symptoms of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. 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. 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. Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. She also ended up with a painful double ear infection. 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. If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Underlying allergy inflammation can lead to sinus infections. doi:10.1177/0194599815572097. Its probably anothersinus infection. Learn some practical steps you can take to ease your symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and may have gastrointestinal symptoms, too. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. Viruses lead to most sinus infections, but bacteria can. A sinus infection occurs when the fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses) and encourages the growth of germs. American Academy of Family Physicians. These include: The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is. Both allergies and sinus infections can feel miserable. COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system. OMICRON Original: Had much less loss of smell, but mostly sinus congestion symtpoms. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. Along with falling temperatures and shorter days, sinus infections are a common part of winter. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Ugh. ", 3 Symptoms of COVID-19. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. They usually resolve within seven to 10 days, with most feeling improvement after a couple days. The only way to know what you have for sure is to see a healthcare provider. Two main symptoms of sinus infections include congestion and pain or pressure in your face, nose, or ears. The omicron subvariant of COVID-19, BA.5, became one of the dominant strains of the virus in the fall of 2022 in the U.S. At that time, it was the most easily spread strain to date and is able to evade immunity from COVID infection and vaccination. Several types of COVID tests are available. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. ", 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. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. "A lot of this is probably magnifying these symptoms under a microscope instead of clear changes," he says. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! 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. Dr. Jorge Moreno said he's seen an influx of COVID-19 cases lately at his outpatient clinic in Connecticut. But experts say symptoms are more like colds and medics have urged the . Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinus Infections, What Causes Fever and Headache Together and How Its Treated. A sinus infection often follows a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is required to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment. Omicron has displaced the once-dominant delta variant in a matter of. COVID-19 is only caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. An Ohio State expert explains what to expect. Read our. 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 . Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. You cannot tell if you have COVID or a sinus infection just based on your symptoms alone, especially because so many overlap. As a result, you should experience fewer symptoms. "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. 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. RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Typically, a sinus infection clears up within 2 to 3 weeks. This leads to mucus buildup. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends . Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. ", Omicron is spreading at lightning speed. Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. You risk possible side effects and increase your chances of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat, says Dr. Sindwani. You can expect to experience many colds throughout your life. Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. The latest from Ohio State Health & Discovery delivered right to your inbox. "They're not short of breath, and really the lungs are OK," says Roberts, of Yale. Some symptoms are more common in one condition than the other. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. single A bacterial sinus infection will last seven to 10 days or longer and may get worse after a week. Bacterial and fungal sinus infections often arise this way. diarrhea. 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. sore throat. 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. Depsite COVID Omicron being milder, January 2022 was one of the deadliest months our country has ever seen. A sinus infection is diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. 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. Most sinus infections are viral. This common infection requires antibiotics. 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. After youve tested, call your primary care doctor to schedule an in-person or virtual visit. Thankfully, both of these conditions are treatable. Nasal congestion and swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus. However patients with a history of relapsing sinus infections may have more difficult bacteria such as Staphylococcus or very tricky non typical respiratory bacteria. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "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. A sinus infection, on the other hand, occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. For example, the virus that causes the common cold attacks the lining of your sinuses and causes them to swell up. 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. 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. 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. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. I have started using montelukast orally post-covid to help block leukotriene cytokine response in the covid sinus patients. The common cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory system thats caused by a wide range of viruses. You can help prevent a sinus infection in much the same way as you would prevent catching cold and flu viruses. Also explore types, prevention, and more. Discover risk factors such as sinus infections. You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. "It's a very prominent symptom," said Moreno, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Is it a cold or sinus infection? Heres a quick breakdown: While most coldsand even sinus infectionsclear up on their own, its important to know when you need medical help. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There was a strong tendency toward SEVERE SORE THROAT and even GI upset moreso. } Sinusitis generally lasts longer than a cold; while cases can resolve within 10 days, symptoms can last up to a month. What those hospital numbers don't tell us is what a typical case looks like. Common colds. Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? In most cases, when you have a runny nose, headache, and persistent cough, you have a common cold. Yellow, Green, Brown, and More: What Does the Color of My Snot Mean? Many patients started out with a dry, scratchy throat that caused sharp pain when they swallowed. ", 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. A 2020 study surveyed 270 outpatients with. Meanwhile, 44% of people in that group reported a persistent cough, and 29% reported a fever. A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. } else { If you have respiratory symptoms, you might fear that you have COVID. 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. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. How can you tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial based on your symptoms? 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. At home this can be done by using a nasal saline solution or Neti pot. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Rosenfeld RM, Piccirillo JF, Chandrasekhar SS, et al. Another difference is the timeline. And fewer patients have symptoms related to lower respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, says Vanchiere, including older patients. We avoid using tertiary references. Sore throats were often coupled with sinus congestion and headache, he added, followed by a cough a day or so later. Loss of your sense of taste and smell sometimes accompanies a sinus infection. "We didn't need to do any complicated statistics to see the difference.". Many people liken it to a bad cold or sinus infection. 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. They need rest. runny nose stuffy nose sore throat "Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less likely to invade the lungs," Dr. Singh says. While in the past this has usually turned out to be a sinus infection, youre not so sure this time. But you're pushing more and more and more toward the omicron variant," says Davis, who contributed to the study. Some common sinus infection treatments include: According to the CDC, antibiotics are usually not needed for viral sinus infections. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. If you test negative but still have symptoms or were exposed, your doctor might want you to be tested again in a few days. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. You will be notified of your result, which will be either positive (you have COVID) or negative (you do not have COVID). The omicron variant of the coronavirus has surged in the U.K. and is now dominant in the U.S. as well. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. So some of this lower risk could be because of vaccination, but the data altogether suggests that there is a reduced risk for hospitalization with the omicron variant compared with the delta variant. Is your cold really a sinus infection? Many people report that one of the first symptoms of Omicron is a sore throat. By contrast, fatigue became more pronounced among outpatients, who often reported feeling tired and achy, Moreno said. 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 information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. "It just seems that people who have been vaccinated ahead of time are getting much milder symptoms across the board," he says. Sure Signs You're Getting Omicron Now, Say Doctors.