Sore throat. A runny nose is mucus being discharged out of the nose. Ah, winter a time where we find ourselves constantly asking if were sick or if its just a reaction to the weather and all that comes with it. For symptom relief, its appropriate to take a pain reliever acetaminophen does a great job. Influenza does mimic COVID-19 very closely, but the shortness of breath is not usually as severe as it is with COVID-19, Das told Healthline. If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of smell and/or taste, stay home and isolate yourself from others. If you have other COVID-19 symptoms or think you may have a COVID-19 infection, you should isolate yourself from other people and treat your symptoms at home. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat.. For many people, allergy symptoms respond well to antihistamines. We recommend following the CDC guidelines and those of your local health department to prevent the spread of the virus. The good news is that, in general, symptoms of omicron seem to go away faster than those of earlier variants, especially in people who are vaccinated and boosted. ACE2 localizes to the respiratory cilia and is not increased by ACE inhibitors or ARBs. 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. A sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary. The main sinus infection symptoms include facial pressure or pain, discolored nasal drainage and congestion. Its not worth the risk of spreading illness especially right now. The agency said that things such as shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, headache, and sore throat can be symptoms of either COVID-19 or allergies. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) As nasal and throat symptoms become more common in COVID-19 patients the differences between the virus and allergies can be blurry. Some people experience less inflammation, so they feel symptoms like irritation, dryness, or fullness. nasal congestion. 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. FDA Panel Recommends Approval of First RSV Vaccine: What to Know, CDC Says Flu Shot Was Effective for Many Adults and Most Kids: What to Know, COVID-19 Pandemic: A 3-Year Retrospective on Masks, Vaccines, and Immunity, Norovirus: Why Cases are on The Rise and How to Avoid It, Can Bird Flu Infect People? Experts Answer Questions About the Outbreak, Marburg Virus Outbreak: What to Know About the Signs and Symptoms, at least 10 days from the time symptoms onset, once you go at least 24 hours with no fever and without taking fever-reducing medication, until your other symptoms show improvement, lips, nail beds, or skin that appears pale, gray, or blue. Almost nobody dies from the common cold. If you test positive for COVID-19, it is essential to isolate at home until you are well to avoid spreading the illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. . However, some of them have said they did not experience a loss of taste or smell. The loss of taste or smell is still possible, but reported less frequently now.". Can a COVID-19 Vaccine Increase Your Risk of Shingles? With COVID-19, shortness of breath often occurs 5 to 10 days after the first sign of fever, Das said. Heres a look at some of the potential causes. Are dry nasal passages a sign of COVID-19? The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow, which leads to an infection, Cooling said. Is it a cold or sinus infection -- and am I contagious? If you get COVID-19 now, theres a good chance youll have a sore throat, whether or not youre vaccinated. Theres no medicine that can cure a COVID-19 sore throat, but there are things you can do to reduce your discomfort, says Galiatsatos. COVID-19 can cause more serious illness, especially among unvaccinated people, although treatments have improved in the past year. Unless you are allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine, the CDC recommends getting the COVID-19 vaccine even if you have other allergies, such as seasonal allergies. 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. or any increase in your usual respiratory symptoms should prompt you to. But itchy eyes and facial pain are not typical symptoms of COVID-19. Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, Possible symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea For example, a sore throat from COVID-19 is usually accompanied by other symptoms like fever, body aches, and stomach upset while a sore throat from seasonal allergies is not. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 15% of norovirus tests are coming back positive. It causes particularly severe symptoms, although vaccinated people are still highly protected against it. (2020). The WHO is reporting a rare outbreak of the Marburg virus. All rights reserved. Itchiness in the eyes, nose, ears or throat can be a big symptom of seasonal allergies but isn't common with COVID-19, according to Emerson Hospital. But experiencing a dry nose in the absence of more typical COVID-19 symptoms is unlikely to be a sign of infection. (2020). If it is solely due to the cold air, these symptoms should resolve after a day or two. More research is needed to verify these findings. Nevertheless, these people can still transmit the coronavirus to people around them. The CDC recommends testing in the following situations: Rapid tests are available over the counter. Anything that feels different or any increase in your usual respiratory symptoms should prompt you to isolate and inform your doctor, Christenson said. But were also seeing surges in COVID-19 all over the country, so theres a greater chance of getting infected. Part of HuffPost Wellness. Nausea and vomiting. Sniffles (Nasal Congestion and Discharge), Your COVID-19 Symptoms May Vary Based on How Many Shots Youve Had, What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result. Wash hands or shower and change clothing after spending time outside. What you need to know about variants. These issues are compounded when we spend long hours indoors due to the weather or quarantines. But COVID-19 is much more serious than a sinus infection it can be deadly. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More: https://t.co/DmfPOAPMjW pic.twitter.com/Recw2ZEYx7. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever or chills Dry cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea How to protect yourself from COVID-19 Get vaccinated or if you're already vaccinated, get your booster. These can include: The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. Navaraa J, et al. You certainly can't get that back in 24 hours, and it's only done by specialized labs." Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include: Fever or chills. While most of the different COVID-19 variants show similar symptoms, they can vary in terms of their severity and spread. You can ease symptoms with a saline nasal spray, and place a cool-mist humidifier near your bed . The CDC recommends testing as soon as symptoms develop or, if you dont have symptoms, at least five days after exposure to someone with COVID-19. Less commonly, viruses like COVID-19 can lead . (2021). Unlike delta, omicron is more likely to populate the upper respiratory system. Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. However, there are a lot of other illnesses, big and small, that cause a sore throat as well, including the common cold, the flu, strep throat, mono, GERD, as well as allergies, and dry air. Severe symptoms of COVID-19 that require immediate medical attention include: Bluish lips or face indicates a shortage of oxygen in the bloodstream. This can last a long time, even after the virus has gone. There were some upper respiratory symptoms in delta and the other earlier variants, but not like were seeing with omicron, Galiatsatos says. Woman experiencing first Covid-19 symptoms throat pain breathing problems on sofa. Not all symptoms are created equally. An observant eye and jotting notes in a diary may help shine a light on the problem and its possible solutions. While there are symptoms unique to a COVID-19 infection like stark changes in taste and smell, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea symptoms of these other viral infections mimic many symptoms of COVID-19, such as a. sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue and body aches. Features of anosmia in COVID-19. A few studies suggest that nosebleeds may be more common in people with COVID-19 than people without. Blogs are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. He has a bachelors of journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and worked as a reporter before joining OSF HealthCare in 2014. 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. Shortness of breath or . Learn about causes, treatment, and. It could be the first sign of a coronavirus infection caused by the omicron variant. 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. Pollen allergy. Allergies. Youll need to begin taking the medication within five days of the onset of symptoms like sore throat the sooner, the better. Get adequate rest, fluids, and watch your symptoms closely during that time. Sometimes rinsing out your sinuses can help. Lechien JR, Chiesa-Estomba CM, Beckers E, et al. Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications. Most colds only last a week, but even after you recover, your nose and sinuses can remain stuffed up with phlegm. Digestive symptoms, like stomach pain, might be among the earliest symptoms of COVID-19 that you experience. Even for people who do not have allergies, some are sensitive to wood smoke and fragrances from candles and other indoor perfumes. Journal of Internal Medicine. Features, evaluation, and treatment of coronavirus (COVID-19). Learn how this happens and if you can prevent it. While there are symptoms unique to a COVID-19 infection like stark changes in taste and smell, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea symptoms of these other viral infections mimic many symptoms of COVID-19, such as a sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue and body aches. Some studies suggest these symptoms may be present in more than half of people with COVID-19. What have experts learned about omicron sore throat, and what does it mean for people who are vaccinated and those who arent? - Answered by a verified Doctor . If you think you might have COVID-19, the best course of action is to get a COVID-19 test. XBB.1.5 may be one of the most virulent strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggers COVID-19, and has adapted to better evade some of the antibody protection that newer bivalent vaccines offer. A woman believes having coronavirus could have saved her life after a visit to the doctor for a sore throat she thought was caused by long COVID was actually diagnosed as cancer. The virus that causes COVID-19 can potentially disrupt your mucus production and dry out your nasal passages. If you have asthma or COPD, you are probably keenly aware of what your usual cough or other respiratory symptoms are like in winter. 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. Dry nasal passages can have many other potential causes that include exposure to dry air, prolonged mask-wearing, and allergies. Do people who recover from COVID-19 have dry nasal passages? Can Body Aches Be a Symptom of Allergies? Where we succeeded, where we didn't, and what we learned. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.. 1996-2023 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Christenson stressed the importance of covering your nose and mouth with a mask while outdoors. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection. El-Anwar MW, et al. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. "Being up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine, including the last updated bivalent booster, is the best way to protect yourself from severe COVID-19, including the XBB.1.5 strain," Dr. Brown says. 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. But if you have symptoms or a known exposure and you get a negative result, you should test again 48 hours after the first negative test, for a total of at least two tests, per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. People ages 60 years and over, and people with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, obesity or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness, the WHO said. Thats why a good rule of thumb is, when in doubt, you may want to consider getting tested for COVID-19. . READ MORE: Some people who have experienced the coronavirus say diarrhoea was an early sign of the disease. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. and continuing to wash your hands and practice good health hygiene. The CDC lists 11 primary symptoms of COVID-19: So far, the symptoms of the Omnicron variant appear to closely resemble those of the Delta variant. 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. Many of the initial people to contract this variant report muscle aches as well as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. are safe and effective - everyone who is eligible is encouraged to be vaccinated and boosted to possibly avoid . When and where you get sick might be the best predictor of whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, Yildirim said. When people congregate indoors where ventilation is poorer in the winter, they are more likely to experience respiratory infections caused by influenza, rhinoviruses and other coronaviruses that are not COVID-19. It's the most infectious variant recently recorded, according to officials at the World Health Organization but mild symptoms may be mistaken for a cold or the flu. Prevalence and 6-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction: a multicentre study of 1363 COVID-19 patients. After you have identified the cause for your symptoms, you can resume your daily activities. But Dr. Brown adds that because a majority of Americans have experienced at least one (if not more) COVID-19 infection recently, their immune systems may present signs of sickness that could be interpreted as something less serious. Read our. Its worth noting, however, that the 2020-21 flu season was unusually mild, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma. Likewise, itchy eyes and nose are allergy symptoms, but not COVID-19 symptoms. Enter the omicron sore throat, which is now among the chief complaints of people diagnosed with COVID-19. You can get one done at a pharmacy or health clinic. Its a predominant early symptom, says Dr. Weisenberg, but not every patient with omicron follows the same symptom pattern.. Runny Nose. If you experience any warning signs, including difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, or trouble staying awake, seek emergency medical care right away. World Health Organization. Nasal congestion and runny nose have both been reported in people with COVID-19. Likewise, itchy eyes and nose are allergy symptoms, but not COVID-19 symptoms. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Because the tests are not 100% sensitive meaning false negatives are possible if someone has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and no other explanation, it is reasonable to isolate and follow the recommendations for return-to-work based on people with diagnosed COVID-19, Serota added. Some in public healthcare, however, worry that this figure could expand in the weeks to come; with many still overcoming lingering coughs and stuffy noses, alongside compromised immune systems impacted by seasonal sickness, there's concern that respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19 may go ignored or misdiagnosed. "Viruses mutate in order to become more fit and have the ability to be passed from one person to another person more effectively," she explains. Gargling with salt water or drinking warm water or tea mixed with honey or warm water with lemon juice can all relieve pain, according to Penn Medicine. Are You Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19? The most recent research on the Omicron variant suggests it lives longer on surfaces than previous coronavirus variants. In a September 2022 update, the American Academy of Pediatrics echoed that guidance, stating that there are no robust data suggesting that oral samples should be preferred over nasal samples for any SARS-CoV-2 variant (SARS-CoV-2 is the COVID-19 coronavirus), and that people should collect samples according to the instructions that come in the box with the test. Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Symptoms can be similar, but there are subtle differences. Dry nasal passages occur when your sinuses dont produce enough mucus to keep them moist. How long do allergy symptoms vs. COVID-19 symptoms last? Here are seven things to keep in mind if your throat starts hurting, and advice on how to get the pain relief you need. Also, as with COVID-19, colds are more likely to have generalized symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches, whereas allergies usually affect only the respiratory tract, Cutler said. ENT manifestation in COVID-19 patients. Covid test is negative. Typical sinus infection symptoms include: Nasal congestion. Inflamed tissues both swell up and produce fluid. The agency said that things such as shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, headache, and sore throat can be symptoms of either COVID-19 or allergies. Ah, winter a time where we find ourselves constantly asking if were sick or if its just a reaction to the weather and all that comes with it. This happens because of postnasal drip, or mucus from the nose dropping down the throat and irritating it. An estimated 97 percent of people hospitalized with COVID-19 disease are unvaccinated, but a study from the United Kingdom found that just 0.5 percent of COVID-19 deaths were among vaccinated individuals. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. When to see a doctor about dry nasal passages, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs42399-021-00876-6, aurisnasuslarynx.com/article/S0385-8146(20)30146-2/fulltext, medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.18.20233874v1.full, cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html, ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.15948, cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. The Delta variant, however, may have more cold-like symptoms. COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know. However, having a sore throat alone isn't the sign of being coronavirus positive. Insomnia Tied to Dramatic Rise in Heart Attack Risk, Just 500 Extra Steps a Day Can Lower Heart Disease Risk in Seniors, Study Suggests. And most seasonal allergies are more annoying than dangerous. Cough. More true than ever right now because [if youre] sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test thats COVID. A 2020 study found that a group of 35 people with COVID-19 reported a strange sensation in their nose or excessive nasal dryness significantly more often than people without COVID-19 infection. Most over-the-counter medicines have not proven to be effective against a cough or sore throat, according to Landon. Colds are more likely to respond to decongestants, acetaminophen, fluids, and rest.. People with the Omicron variant are also more likely to report a sore throat and less likely to report sneezing than people who had the Delta variant. "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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. dry cough. The COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented. These symptoms are more often associated with the common cold and werent typically associated with earlier presentations of COVID-19. If you're not sure what "fully vaccinated" means these days, our guide can help. .css-lwn4i5{display:block;font-family:Neutra,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-0.01rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;text-align:center;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-lwn4i5:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}How to Make Friends as an Adult. Sneezing. 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. Lee IT, et al. Meanwhile, CDC data suggests that influenza rates are dipping to their lowest since September, despite concerns of a "tripledemic" earlier this winter. Several variants are circulating in the United States. Allergies and COVID-19 share some overlapping symptoms. Some places have trees that pollinate in the winter months, so those allergic to pollen can continue to experience symptoms, Lee said. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to mask wearing, minimizing contact with other people and physical distancing would decrease your chances of catching the other viral infections. In terms of differentiating between flu and COVID-19, it can be almost impossible to distinguish, Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care and Specialty Infusion in New York. Stay in a separate room from the rest of your household while you are sick. As one of a class of pathogens known as coronaviruses, COVID-19 is actually more closely related to the common cold than the seasonal flu. The working definition of post-COVID conditions was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with CDC and . Headache. 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. If your first test is positive, theres no need to take another test; assume the result is correct and that you have COVID-19. In the United States, the only FDA-approved at-home antigen tests use a nasal swab. Learn more from this overview about the differences between allergies and COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek testing or medical care. An avid golfer and fisherman, David was born and raised Alton, Illinois, which is where he currently resides with his son, James. If you feel like you have a flu or infection coming on, dont wait around to speculate and get tested as soon as possible. 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. Craig Spencer, MD, an assistant professor and emergency medicine physician at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, frequently tweets about what he sees while treating COVID-19 patients in the ER. Fatigue. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19, and the renin-angiotensin system. Lopez-Leon S, et al. Postnasal drip is the accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat, which can cause a feeling of congestion, a sore throat, or a cough. Nausea or vomiting. Hay fever/rhinitis. Typically, you'll have facial pain/pressure, headaches, nasal drainage and congestion, decreased or loss of sense of smell, tooth pain and sore throat. A 2020 review of studies found that 4.1 percent of people in a group of 1,773 people with COVID-19 experienced a stuffy nose. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department. Heat rash, sun rash -- what's the difference? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Is a Nose Burning Sensation a Sign of 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. (2021). What to do if you are sick. Boscolo-Rizzo P, Tirelli G, Meloni P, et al. Its not clear if COVID-19 also increases your chances of developing nosebleeds. Diarrhea. There are a few measures you can take to lessen the confusion between COVID-19 and normal winter health woes.