Learn how this happens and if you can prevent it. For children - seek medical attention if: Your child is younger than 2 months and has a fever. Here are some at-home treatments and strategies that can help. But if you have a cough, fatigue, a fever, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, theres a much greater chance you have COVID-19. Shutterstock. After you have identified the cause for your symptoms, you can resume your daily activities. "Most of the respiratory symptoms like nasal drainage, cough, potentially sore throat, potentially sinus issues and headaches associated with sinus issues could be seen in an allergy or COVID-19," Lee said. READ MORE: Some people who have experienced the coronavirus say diarrhoea was an early sign of the disease. Keep pets away from areas you spend a lot of time in, and consider installing high efficiency furnace filters with a high allergen rating. Anything that feels different or any increase in your usual respiratory symptoms should prompt you to isolate and inform your doctor, Christenson said. Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, can cause a sore throat with no fever. Isolating keeps any possible viral infection from spreading further to loved ones and the community, and protects you from worsening your current state. Do You Have a Sinus Infection or COVID-19? - GoodRx Common symptoms of sinus infections may include: COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms, Melinda said. Salepci E, et al. You can ease symptoms with a saline nasal spray, and place a cool-mist humidifier near your bed . Theyre all caused by viruses, but different viruses cause each of these infections., However, one key difference between the three is a symptom of [COVID-19] is shortness of breath, Yacoub told Healthline. Nasal congestion When to see a doctor - Mayo Clinic This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. If you are concerned, seek medical care right away. However, even among shared symptoms, there are some distinctions. Another good reason to get a flu shot is that it may help protect against severe COVID-19 symptoms like sepsis, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis, according to research from the Netherlands published in the journal PLoS One. Covid test is negative. "Because most people have either developed a COVID-19 infection-related immunity, or have had their vaccines, individuals are starting to have more mild symptoms when they become infected," Dr. Brown says. Allergy symptoms tend to vary with the environment: worsening with exposure to dust, pollen, or animal dander, whereas cold symptoms tend to persist regardless of time of day, weather, locality, or other environmental factors, Cutler said. stuffy nose cough sore throat runny eyes sneezing I just got covid tested so I think I have a sinus infection or just a really bad cold but I dont know Im not having any breathing . Although a one-sided sore throat can be a sign of COVID-19, it can also be a symptom of: a common cold flu tonsillitis or a serious tonsil infection laryngitis strep throat canker sores If. COVID-19 can affect and even shrink certain parts of your brain. A study published in April 2022 in The Lancet found that in individuals with three vaccine doses, omicron symptoms went away after about four days, compared with almost eight days in people who had a delta-era infection. Ive told my own staff this, it's what I do myself if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. "Sore throat, chills, body . Most commonly, it causes: fever headache dry. Keep in mind that according to the data in both the survey and the report, many people infected with omicron dont have a sore throat or any symptoms at all. A sore throat can arise due to a lot of factors- change in weather, bacterial infections of tonsilitis. Nasal congestion or runny nose. Enter the omicron sore throat, which is now among the chief complaints of people diagnosed with COVID-19. Sore throat, would like to speak to a doctor. Started 3 days When vaccinated people do get COVID-19, they typically exhibit symptoms that are less severe than those experienced by unvaccinated people who have the infection. Last medically reviewed on August 16, 2021. Many conditions besides COVID-19 can also cause dry nasal passages. The Delta variant still accounts for more than 90 percent of new infections. Having quickly become the primary strain in new COVID-19 cases currently in the United States, a virus variant known as XBB.1.5 called the ".css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}Kraken" by some in the healthcare field is likely spreading among Americans due to misleading symptoms that may be dismissed as seasonal illness. Digestive symptoms, like stomach pain, might be among the earliest symptoms of COVID-19 that you experience. COVID-19 and Sinus Infection | Cooper University - CooperHealth.org Do Some People Experience an Unusual Smell After Recovering from COVID-19? Are You Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19? (2021). Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist who treats pediatric patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Christenson said to monitor a cough, runny nose, sore throat or nasal congestion that may occur after breathing cold air outdoors. Learn about causes, treatment, and. About 17.9 to 33.3 percent of people with it dont develop any symptoms. Put petroleum jelly in the nose if it becomes irritated. Sinus Infection vs. COVID-19: What Are the Differences? - Verywell Health Acute nasal dryness in COVID-19, et al. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s guide for disinfecting, Prevalence and 6-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction: a multicentre study of 1363 COVID-19 patients, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related smell and taste impairment with widespread diffusion of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant, Symptom prevalence, duration, and risk of hospital admission in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during periods of omicron and delta variant dominance: a prospective observational study from the ZOE COVID Study, COVID-19 vaccines for people with allergies, You have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, Routine screening for schools or workplaces. But were also seeing surges in COVID-19 all over the country, so theres a greater chance of getting infected. Lee IT, et al. Wintry air can also compromise the moist protective lining in your airway, added David Serota, an infectious disease physician in Miami. Studies aside, it's crucial to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, given that healthcare officials are clear that any measure of protection is crucial, especially for those at risk for severe complications. What Is Postnasal Drip: Sore Throat & More From Sinus Drainage - WebMD Different Symptoms for COVID-19, Flu, Allergies, and Cold If you have an itchy nose or itchy eyes, this is more likely an allergic reaction. COVID-19 Vaccine: Key FDA Panel Supports Updated Annual Shots. While you can't always prevent allergy symptoms, there are some things you can do to manage them and limit your exposure to allergens: The most effective way to manage allergies is to learn what you are allergic to and reduce or avoid exposure to it. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Pfizer Says Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Significantly Increases Antibodies to Fight Omicron. Conversely, itchy eyes and facial pain are more typical of allergies than a COVID-19 infection. It is a common symptom of conditions such as the common . Meanwhile, CDC data suggests that influenza rates are dipping to their lowest since September, despite concerns of a "tripledemic" earlier this winter. Loss of smell. Dry nasal passages can potentially be a symptom of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. The WHO is reporting a rare outbreak of the Marburg virus. But in the omicron era, some people including some infectious disease experts are hacking the kits by swabbing not just their nostrils, as directed, but also their throats. COVID-19 can cause more serious illness, especially among unvaccinated people, although treatments have improved in the past year. The nasal symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to those of other upper respiratory infections and sometimes include nasal burning or dryness. Without testing, determining whether you have a sore throat from allergies or COVID-19 can be challenging. Typically, you'll have facial pain/pressure, headaches, nasal drainage and congestion, decreased or loss of sense of smell, tooth pain and sore throat. In people who received only the initial vaccine series with no booster, symptoms lasted roughly eight days from omicron, compared with a little more than nine days from delta. An avid golfer and fisherman, David was born and raised Alton, Illinois, which is where he currently resides with his son, James. Although most signs of coronavirus infection have remained in the mix since the early days of the pandemic, some symptoms have dropped out of the top five and been replaced by new ones. 'Should I Get Tested for COVID-19 if I Have a Sore Throat or - WebMD Christenson stressed the importance of covering your nose and mouth with a mask while outdoors. Fatigue Headache and body aches Loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea The Flu High fever (around 102 or 103 degrees Fahrenheit) Cough Sore throat Stuffy nose Headache and/or body aches Fatigue Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea The Common Cold Sinus congestion Stuffy nose Post-nasal drip Sore throat Sneezing New loss of taste or smell. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Is it a sinus infection or COVID-19? | OSF HealthCare Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days, Complaints of drip in the throat from the nose, Swelling around the eyes, worse in the morning, Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. But its possible that dry nasal passages could be identified as a symptom in the future. Flu hospitalizations were at an all-time low last flu season, while COVID-19 cases surged, meaning that if you had flu-like symptoms, there may be a chance you actually had COVID-19. Sore throat Headache Fatigue The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. The CDC recommends testing in the following situations: Rapid tests are available over the counter. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you're not sure whether your symptoms could be the result of allergies or COVID-19, it's best to play it safe and take a test. With this in mind, if your symptoms persist or people in your household also begin exhibiting symptoms, it's a good idea to test again. Sign up for our free health and wellness newsletter, delivered monthly to your inbox. COVID-19 Sore Throat: How to Cope | Everyday Health Several variants are circulating in the United States. XBB.1.5 COVID Variant Symptoms: Runny Nose, Sore Throat and More For many people, allergy symptoms respond well to antihistamines. With COVID-19, the cough is dry. As we stay indoors more to escape the cold, we face extended exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander and more, said Gerald Lee, an allergist and immunologist in Atlanta. Here's How to Tell. Can a COVID-19 Vaccine Increase Your Risk of Shingles? The same is true for pharyngitis. A review of studies published in March 2021 identified more than 50 long-term symptoms in people recovering from COVID-19, but dry nasal passages wasnt one of the identified symptoms. Sore Throat? Runny Nose? The Common Omicron Symptoms to - NBC Chicago A Top Derm Explains, 35 of the Smartest Fast-Food Choices You Can Make, Easy Brain Exercises to Boost Your Memory, Why We Should All Be Eating More Buckwheat. Get adequate rest, fluids, and watch your symptoms closely during that time. In a report from China of more than 1,000 patients, nasal congestion was seen in only 1 out of every 20 patients, Dr. Kristine S. Arthur, an internist at MemorialCare Medical Group in Laguna Woods, California, told Healthline. Sore throat, would like to speak to a doctor. Melinda recommends only using reputable resources such as the CDC, OSF HealthCare or your primary care provider anytime you have questions or concerns about an illness. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.