COVID-19 is a disease that can cause what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. Muscle or body aches. According to the CDC, these are potential symptoms to monitor if you believe you are sick: Particularly, four of the symptoms that are commonly associated with XBB.1.5 variants nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and fever are also frequently dismissed as seasonal colds or flu, according to CDC materials. COVID-19 symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure a window that can be wider than is typical for the flu, which usually presents symptoms within 1 to 4 days of transmission. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). nasal congestion. Not all symptoms are created equally. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care, immediately: If you or someone else has COVID-19 and is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: This list is not exhaustive. 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. It could be very difficult for a patient to tell the difference between COVID-19 and an exacerbation of their asthma or COPD due to causes other than the SARS-CoV-2 virus, she said. The same is true for pharyngitis. You have blood in your nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury. Klopfenstein T, et al. Viruses are the most common trigger of symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among other triggers like wood smoke, strong fragrances or chemical smells, Christenson explained. Then again, it could also be the seasonal flu. 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. But its possible that dry nasal passages could be identified as a symptom in the future. Post-COVID Conditions. Hay fever/rhinitis. Its worth noting, however, that the 2020-21 flu season was unusually mild, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some at-home treatments and strategies that can help. This will help slow the transmission of the coronavirus from people who dont have symptoms or people who dont know they have an infection.Wearing a face mask may have the added benefit of reducing transmission of other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, and also reduce inhalation of pollen and other allergens. Elevated ACE-2 expression in the olfactory neuroepithelium: Implications for anosmia and upper respiratory SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication. Will both allergy and COVID-19 symptoms respond to allergy medicine? Headache. Zee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. There is no information yet on whether COVID-19 causes sinusitis. At-home COVID-19 test manufacturers emphasize the importance of following instructions precisely in order to get an accurate result. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. Recovering from COVID-19 at home can be overwhelming. "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. Serota also urged getting a flu shot and continuing to wash your hands and practice good health hygiene. Unvaccinated people are 5 times more likely to get COVID-19 than vaccinated people, according to the CDC, and 11 times more likely to die of the disease. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of COVID-19, which occurs prior to the development of pneumonia.. Delayed parosmia following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A rare late complication of COVID-19. Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. How to tell, Whats considered a fever and when to see a doctor, When a cough may be more than just a cough. Cough and sore throat also topped the list of most common symptoms in a U.K. national report released on September 30, 2022, with loss of smell, loss of taste, and shortness of breath less prevalent. If you're not sure what "fully vaccinated" means these days, our guide can help. Symptoms that appear most often include: Some COVID-19 symptoms have been found to persist long after the infection. Does your throat hurt? 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. Your nasal discharge is yellow or green and you also have sinus pain or fever. Sneezing, for example, was once considered a rarer symptom of a COVID-19 infection. 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. Symptomatology of COVID-19 from the otorhinolaryngology perspective: a survey of 223 SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive patients. Conversely, common COVID-19 symptoms not seen with allergies include fever, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Some research indicates that a sore throat seems to occur in about 12 to 14 percent of people with. This is a shift from earlier variants that replicated in the lower respiratory tract, in the lungs, Dr. Galiatsatos says. Will I still be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have allergies? Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends to accompany the cold and influenza seasons during the fall and winter months. Keep pets away from areas you spend a lot of time in, and consider installing high efficiency furnace filters with a high allergen rating. Sherrill Brown, M.D., medical director of infection prevention for Los Angeles-based AltaMed Health Services, tells Good Housekeeping that the XBB.1.5 variant is the most infectious strain that experts have come across recently which officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in January, per ABC News. In his experience, unvaccinated people tend to have more severe symptoms or a more dangerous course of COVID-19, whereas vaccinated and boosted patients who get COVID-19 typically have mild symptoms. Dry air and freezing temperatures can dry out your airway which includes the nasal passage and part of the throat and cause discomfort, producing a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion. We avoid using tertiary references. The study noted that "traditional" Covid symptoms such as . In addition to mask wearing, minimizing contact with other people and physical distancing would decrease your chances of catching the other viral infections. Congestion or runny nose. 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. 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. Health experts provide answers to frequently asked questions about the bird flu outbreak and the danger it poses to humans. A runny nose, facial pain, postnasal drip, and itchy eyes are common symptoms of allergies or the common cold. If you think you might have COVID-19, the best course of action is to get a COVID-19 test. including some infectious disease experts, First Flu-COVID Combination Home Test Gets FDA Okay, How to Relieve COVID-19 Muscle Aches and Pains, FDA Panel Votes to Make All COVID-19 Shots Bivalent. You can ease symptoms with a saline nasal spray, and place a cool-mist humidifier near your bed . To prevent COVID-19, the CDC recommends that unvaccinated people wear face masks in indoor public places. For many people, allergy symptoms respond well to antihistamines. 2022;399(10335):1618-24. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00327-0. However, some research suggests that COVID-19 symptoms have changed as the disease mutates and affects different populations. Is a sore throat a COVID symptom? At the beginning of the pandemic, the most . 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. Thats why it is important to limit your exposure to others if you have any symptoms, Melinda said. Being as diligent as possible is so incredibly important.. Symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Its also important to stay well hydrated, he says. Many of the initial people to contract this variant report muscle aches as well as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Less frequently, says the World Health Organization, a COVID-19 infection can produce symptoms similar to the flu like aches and pains, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion or diarrhea. Fevers, body aches, coughing, sneezing could all be equally attributed to them both, so it really means that if theres a concern for flu, theres a concern for COVID-19, Deutsch said. But, it would be best to try to isolate until you are clearly on the mend.. The Delta variant still accounts for more than 90 percent of new infections. Allergies can cause a sore throat without fever in kids or adults, says Patel. The WHO is reporting a rare outbreak of the Marburg virus. A sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary. Other common symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache and sudden loss of taste or smell. Also some fatigue, maybe some muscle pain. Allergy symptoms tend to improve with antihistamine and other allergy-specific medication, he said. Pollen allergy. Navaraa J, et al. Stay home and follow the current isolation and quarantine guidelines. If you test positive for COVID-19, it is essential to isolate at home until you are well to avoid spreading the illness. Your sore throat could also be the result of a strep throat infection. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Nasal discharge (typically green or yellow) Tooth ache or discomfort. Less commonly, viruses like COVID-19 can lead . 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. Among people who develop COVID-19 symptoms, around 15 percent have severe symptoms and need oxygen, according to the WHO. Fever, cough, and fatigue are among the more typical symptoms. But dry nasal passages in the absence of more typical flu-like symptoms are unlikely to be a sign of COVID-19 infection. (2020). 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. Youll need to begin taking the medication within five days of the onset of symptoms like sore throat the sooner, the better. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn about causes, treatment, and. All rights reserved. In the United States, the only FDA-approved at-home antigen tests use a nasal swab. or any increase in your usual respiratory symptoms should prompt you to. Sometimes rinsing out your sinuses can help. Allergy symptoms usually last longer and are often seasonal. Is a Nose Burning Sensation a Sign of COVID-19? "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. The 2020 review of studies found that in the group of 1,773 people with confirmed COVID-19 infection, 4.1 percent developed nasal congestion and 2.1 percent developed a runny nose. Fifty-two percent of people in the COVID-19 group reported a feeling like a continual nasal douche, compared with 3 percent of people in the control group. Mild cases of COVID-19 are thought to last approximately 2 weeks, said Cutler. (2021). Recent research suggests that bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines provide some level of protection against these newer variants and better protection compared to earlier versions of COVID-19 vaccines. Most over-the-counter medicines have not proven to be effective against a cough or sore throat, according to Landon. Christensons advice? Pay particular attention to that combination of three symptoms. Mild symptoms include dizziness or feeling lightheaded. scratchy or sore throat. However, an allergy cough is wet, while a COVID-19 cough is dry; and fatigue with allergies tends to be milder than fatigue associated with COVID-19. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. It is a common symptom of conditions such as the common . Those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are least likely to experience severe symptoms, while those who are unvaccinated are most at risk of severe illness and death. 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. 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. Here's How to Tell. Now, it ranks among the most common symptoms. ACE2 localizes to the respiratory cilia and is not increased by ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Immunization experts are worried, however, that a mild COVID-19 case may not be the reality for all Americans; there's some concern that each breakthrough case may increase risks of long COVID and its most prominent symptoms, including brain fog. Its a predominant early symptom, says Dr. Weisenberg, but not every patient with omicron follows the same symptom pattern.. Sore throat or pharyngitis is a type of upper respiratory tract infection. While most of the different COVID-19 variants show similar symptoms, they can vary in terms of their severity and spread. Several variants are circulating in the United States. Generally, acetaminophen is recommended for fevers, he said. As new research becomes available, well update this article. Heres what to look out for and advice on how to stay safe this winter. Nausea and vomiting. Maybe constant throat clearing happens only during spring, pointing toward allergies, or perhaps after drinking coffee, a reason to consider reflux. How Long Does the Omicron Variant Last on Surfaces? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "[XBB.1.5] symptoms may include a runny nose, mild cough and a sore throat. But there are also major differences: COVID-19 The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely. Postnasal drip can cause an irritated sore throat. Without testing, determining whether you have a sore throat from allergies or COVID-19 can be challenging. 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. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 15% of norovirus tests are coming back positive. Shortness of breath or . Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. For some people, symptoms can last weeks or months after the acute infection has resolved. You can get one done at a pharmacy or health clinic. 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. Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma. 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. Both can present with just a single symptom (like a runny nose). 3. Is it a cold or sinus infection -- and am I contagious? But itchy eyes and facial pain are not typical symptoms of COVID-19. New loss of taste or smell. Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications. muscle pain, especially low back pain. Meanwhile, CDC data suggests that influenza rates are dipping to their lowest since September, despite concerns of a "tripledemic" earlier this winter. Allergies and COVID-19 share some overlapping symptoms. "My symptoms have gotten worse and are typical of what is being reported for COVID-19 'long-haulers' recurring fever, debilitating fatigue, inability to concentrate, headache, dizziness, body aches and more," reports one first responder to the Washington Post. Read our. . To find the best care, take our free COVID-19 risk assessment, or call our 24/7 Health Line at 704-468-8888 . Allergies, on the other hand, are usually chronic, presenting with symptoms off and on for weeks, months, or even years, Dr. David M. Cutler, family medicine physician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Healthline. 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. 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. Some people experience a loss of smell or distorted sense of smell for months after developing COVID-19. The loss of taste or smell is still possible, but reported less frequently now.". After you have identified the cause for your symptoms, you can resume your daily activities. 2021;290(2):451-461.doi: 10.1111/joim.13209. Inflamed tissues both swell up and produce fluid. COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, she recommends drinking chamomile or herbal tea and hot water with lemon. Do people who recover from COVID-19 have dry nasal passages? Consult with an allergist to help you determine the best option. Open windows or use an air purifier to improve ventilation. New COVID-19 boosters could be authorized by the FDA before full data from human trials are in because of past data on similar vaccines. (2021). COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold or allergies? Allergy symptoms can appear soon after contact with the offending allergen, such as mold or pollen. Symptoms vary between people, but the most typical symptoms include: COVID-19 has also been linked to a variety of other symptoms like loss of smell, diarrhea, sore throat, and vomiting. Omicron may also cause milder symptoms than other variants, especially in people who have been vaccinated. And remember that a negative test result shouldnt be a sign to end isolation, especially if you still have symptoms. In addition, if someone in your household has COVID-19, follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s guide for disinfecting. Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory Noticing any clues that point to the root cause can help. For example, some studies report people losing their smell or experiencing changes in their sense of smell for 3 months or longer.