Overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine if you have a sinus infection (sinusitis) or COVID-19. These issues are compounded when we spend long hours indoors due to the weather orquarantines.
“While both can cause fever, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat, there are some differences between the two,” said Melinda Cooling, vice president of Advanced Practice for OSF HealthCare and chief clinician executive for OSF OnCall.
Sinusitis vs. COVID-19
A sinus infection, orsinusitis, occurs when the air-filled pockets in the face, called sinuses, fill up with fluid, inflaming the sinus lining and preventing them from draining. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said.
Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends to accompany the cold and influenza seasons during the fall and winter months.
“During those months, people spend more time inside with allergens,” Melinda said. “One difference is sinusitis tends to take longer, around 10 days, to develop into a bacterial infection, while COVID-19 will come on more quickly.”
Symptoms of a sinus infection
Common symptoms of sinus infections may include:
- Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days
- Complaints of drip in the throat from the nose
- Headaches
- Facial pain or pressure
- Bad breath
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swelling around the eyes, worse in the morning
“COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms,” Melinda said. “Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.”
Symptoms for COVID-19
Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include:
- Body aches
- Congestionor runny nose
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breathor difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
“Symptoms can be similar, but there are subtle differences. That’s why it is important to limit your exposure to others if you have any symptoms,” Melinda said. “After you have identified the cause for your symptoms, you can resume your daily activities.
“The most important piece of advice at this point in time is to stay within your family unit and limit exposure.”
What you can do
- Drink lots of water
- Eat healthy foods
- Exercise
- Getadequate sleep
- Keep chronic diseases under control
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay current on yourvaccines
- Wash your hands frequently
Melinda recommends only using reputable resources such as the CDC,伟德betvicror下载or yourprimary care provideranytime you have questions or concerns about an illness.
Last Updated: December 29, 2021