You dont ever treat with antibiotics unless its been more than 10 to 14 days because, in that situation, you may have a bacterial infection, Dr. Ruff says. Therefore, if you are stressed, you may be at greater risk for contracting Omicron, as the body's defense system is not as robust. However, sinus infections have rarely been associated with COVID. Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated during cold and flu season. If you have allergies, figuring out your triggers and trying to avoid them will help prevent a flare-up of symptoms that could lead to a sinus infection. Sinusitis has a tendency to linger and cause sinus pressure, facial pain, and yellow or green mucus. 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. 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. Policy. 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. 1. 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. The yellowish tinge comes from white blood cells that rush to the site of the infection and then are swept away after working . As with previous variants, being vaccinated greatly protects you from severe disease with omicron. A commuter masks up for a bus ride in Liverpool, England. The latest from Ohio State Health & Discovery delivered right to your inbox. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 ); Allergies can develop at any point in your life. If you have COVID-19, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. A sinus infection can have a range of other symptoms as well, though they mostly involve the respiratory system. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! Meanwhile, 44% of people in that group reported a persistent cough, and 29% reported a fever. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed. A sinus infection is caused by inflammation of the sinuses and often follows a cold or allergy flare-up. Your doctor might check your mucus or do an imaging test to confirm the diagnosis. Bacterial and fungal sinus infections often arise this way. single People with Omicron may report symptoms like nausea more often because loss of smell is less prevalent with the new variant, said Andrew Pekosz, a professor of molecular microbiology and. Often the focus of treatment involves managing the severity of symptoms as natural immunity takes over. A sinus infection can take several days to improve, but sometimes youll need prescription medications until you start feeling better at all. Loss of taste or smell was even less common, as the chart below shows. To help alleviate your symptoms, stock up on nonprescription pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants and cough drops. Sometimes rinsing out your sinuses can help. "A lot of this is probably magnifying these symptoms under a microscope instead of clear changes," he says. They might recommend prescription medications instead. Youll also want to wash your hair before bed after being outside and keep your windows closed when pollen counts are high. Some of the most common symptoms include a sinus headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. Or is it? A diet rich in antioxidants can help with chronic inflammation. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. By Mark Gurarie "I've seen a lot more people reporting fatigue as one of their main symptoms," he said. Worried That Sore Throat Is Strep? 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. Dust mite allergies can be alleviated with weekly house cleanings and bedding washes. 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. Still, doctors have noticed a clear gradient of symptoms based on a person's vaccination status. "Just like previous variants, omicron is hospitalizing people and it is killing people.". A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days. COVID-19 symptoms and the Omicron variant: What the latest studies show navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); A lost of smell or taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance. Last medically reviewed on November 20, 2018, A sinus infection occurs when your nasal cavities become swollen, infected, or inflamed. Children's Wisconsin. runny nose stuffy nose sore throat "Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less likely to invade the lungs," Dr. Singh says. Bacteria can also cause sinusitis; these cases tend to arise when theres an existing cold, as the immune system is weakened. Most sinus infections are caused by viral infections, such as those that cause the common cold, including the rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Do You Have Just a Sore Throat or Is It Strep? Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time. nausea or vomiting. 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 following chart shows how Omicron symptoms compare to those of its predecessors, based on data collected by the Zoe app. How to Tell If Its Allergy or Infection. 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. (2016). They might also choose delayed prescribing, where they prescribe an antibiotic for you but suggest that you wait a few days before taking it to see if the infection clears up on its own. 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. Editors note: As what we know about COVID-19 evolves, so could the information in this story. Can you do anything to get your taste back after a sinus infection? Adults have sinuses behind their cheeks, nose, and forehead. Both allergies and sinus infections can feel miserable. If youre not feeling well, talk to your doctor or find one near you. "Omicron versus delta are really more similar than they are different.". Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Procedure and Recovery Process. Sinusitis vs. COVID-19. Youll need to take the full prescription, even if you start feeling better within a day or two. 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. How Stress Increases the Risk of Getting COVID, "Stress compromises the immune system, throwing off its ability to fight illness," Walker states. 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. OMICRON variant has seen reduced problems with smell loss! "Instead, Omicron is causing more upper respiratory symptoms." Omicron is not. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. The two conditions can have symptoms that overlap, but some symptoms are more likely to occur in one and not the other. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The only way to know for sure is to see your doctor. Long-term (chronic) or severe allergies benefit more from daily treatments, such as Zyrtec or Claritin. Doctors offer advice about omicron and the holidays Some common sinus infection treatments include: According to the CDC, antibiotics are usually not needed for viral sinus infections. Cardiology, Health Disparities, Heart and Vascular Health, Heart Attacks, Research, Women's Health. Treating your allergy symptoms early on can also help prevent your allergies from getting out of control. A sinus infection that lasts for months is chronic sinusitis, which can be caused by an infection or growths in the nasal cavity. For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. This fits with early data from the U.K. showing that fever and cough are not as prevalent with omicron cases there and that the five top symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. It is often patients who are susceptible to sinus infections that get them such as those patients who have gotten them before or patients who had ear infections as a child. Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis. 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. Also ask your doctor about recommendations for other medications you can take as preventive measures. There's now data indicating just how severe its symptoms might be. 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. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. Allergies or COVID-19: How to Spot the Difference - Verywell Health A sinus infection is diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination of your nose and face. Even your doctor cant tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.. It also details treatment options for both, why a proper diagnosis is important, and when to see your healthcare provider. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause. So its important to wait and see how long your symptoms last. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . every day. Its probably anothersinus infection. cases are dropping in certain areas, the pandemic isn't over and Omicron is still infecting thousands of people daily. Her symptoms were similar like a terrible sinus infection and congestion. Read our. 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. That's why, she says, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. <Sinus Infection - When Your Cold Turns Into a Sinus Infection - WebMD Sinusitis happens when your sinuses thenormally air-filledpockets in your face become inflamedand blocked. They are highly contagious, with younger children, seniors, those with respiratory conditions, and those with compromised immunity more prone. "Therefore, people who are chronically ill, immunocompromised, or older adults are at greater risk of getting infected. This lower risk with omicron is also consistent with what scientists have observed in South Africa and the United Kingdom. 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. We are also seeing a higher number of unvaccinated and unboosted people getting hospitalized. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief. 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 . 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. However really anyone is susceptible to sinusitis every once in a while. Glasses vs. contacts: Which is safer for eyes. Is that winter sniffle a cold or a sinus infection? Most of these patients retained their sense of smell and had disease course taht was brief 3 days or so. Body aches and fatigue seem to linger longer. 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. 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. For some, 'mild' illness from Omicron feels like anything but Whats the Difference Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia? And is your infection caused by a virus or bacteria and does it really matter? Cold or COVID-19: Symptoms, Differences, and More - Verywell Health You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. Omicron may also change the way the virus replicates or congregates in the body. 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. Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. So how can you tell the difference? Frequent handwashing is also a must. For example, an omicron infection may lead to complications of an existing condition such as diabetes or heart failure. During the pandemic, the general public has become more aware of COVID-19 symptoms. 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). Its always better to be safe than sorry. OMICRON Original: Had much less loss of smell, but mostly sinus congestion symtpoms. In most cases, they come back on their own, and treating the underlying cause of the sinusitis will usually bring them back. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. 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. } ); Omicron makes up 95% of sequenced Covid cases in U.S. as infections hit 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. People have reported symptoms that vary, but are similar to signs of a common cold or flu. How can you tell whether your infection is viral or bacterial based on your symptoms? Those symptoms include a runny nose or sniffles, a headache or body aches,. Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. Allergies and sinus infections can have similar symptoms. Most people dont require special treatment for the common cold, and theres no vaccine or outright cure. Instead, your doctor lookslargelyat symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. Vaccines help reduce the severity of disease, but Omicron may be a less virulent virus on its own. 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. 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. Omicron seems to cause LESS loss of smell due to reduced affinity for the nerve endings! document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { If you have a mild case of COVID, you might be able to rest at home and avoid other people until you recover. 2. 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. Yellow, Green, Brown, and More: What Does the Color of My Snot Mean? COVID-19 and Sinus Infection | Cooper University Health Care These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be inhaled. Most often its the result of an infection and can be caused by viruses, bacteria and, less commonly, fungi. For example, if you have seasonal allergies to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the counts are at their highest. Like the science and discovery news you find here? 960 Johnson Ferry Rd ", How to Reduce Inflammation in the Body Fast, If you suspect you have any of the symptoms mentioned here, get tested ASAP. 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. Sinus infection (sinusitis). Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. But it has taken longer to untangle what, if anything, sets an omicron illness apart from that of its predecessors. However, it may be helpful to avoid the substances you know youre allergic to as often as you can. Is It Winter Allergies or COVID-19? - Verywell Health So maybe it was just something non covid related Anyway she was exhausted and couldn't work. 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. 8. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.