Is It Sinus Infection Or Covid Symptoms?

We have been living in a scary world for more than one year now. Covid 19 has not only taken a toll on our social but also mental health. The Covid symptoms are so much similar to flu and Sinus that it becomes very difficult to find out what it is that you are actually sick from. If this is the case with you and wondering whether you have a sinus infection or Covid, we will help you figure out everything.

Sinuses are air-filled pockets located behind the face. When fluid builds up in the sinuses, germs like bacteria and viruses multiply and lead to sinus infection. 

On the other hand, Covid 19 is a viral illness that is caused by the SARS-COV-2 Virus. The Virus can affect the Sinus and nasal area, along with infecting your lungs. Some common symptoms include sore throat, congestion, and fever.

Keep reading this article to tell whether it is a sinus attack or Covid symptoms.

Sinus Infection Symptoms vs. Covid Symptoms

Sinus and Covid share many common symptoms like”

• cough
• Headache
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• fatigue
• fever

Some sinus symptoms that are different from Covid are:

• Sinus pain and strong pressure are felt around the forehead, upper cheeks, and inner eyes.
• postnasal drip
• bad breath
• toothache
• colored nasal drainage
• reduced sense of smell

Sinus pressure or pain is a strong indicator of sinus infection. These symptoms usually come along with other sinus infection symptoms like a stuffy nose and runny nose.

Unique Covid symptoms that are also present during Sinus:

• shortness of breath
• Pains and body aches 
• digestive symptoms, like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
• loss of smell and taste

Reduced sense is a common symptom in over 60% of people during cold and Sinus as well. Loss of smell and taste in Covid is also seen, along with a stuffy nose.

Other ways to identify whether sinus infections and Covid 

Here are some easy ways to identify whether you have a sinus infection or Covid 19,=.

• When did symptoms start appearing
• How long did the symptoms last
• How severe the symptoms are

Read More- What to Eat When Sick? – Best Foods for Illness

When do symptoms first appear?

Often the symptoms of sinus infection come suddenly, whereas the Covid 19 symptoms start developing gradually in 2 to 14 days after exposure to the Virus.

Sinus infection can happen after common illnesses like flu and cold. If the symptoms develop after you have fallen sick before, then there is a high chance of Viruses responsible for causing flu or cold ten to circulate in the air during winter and fall. In contrast, Covid can happen at any time of the year.

A minus attack can also occur after exposure to irritants and allergies like pet dander, pollen, or cigarette smoke.

How long do Sinus vs. covid symptoms last?

A sinus infection typically clears within 2-3 weeks, whereas Covid can last for one week or two, depending on your health and severity. 

Certain symptoms like loss of smell or cough can linger for quite some time after Covid. Some people tend to experience long-haul Covid symptoms even after months of being tested negative.

How severe are the symptoms?

Sinus infection, in most cases, goes away without leaving any severe complications. If Sinus is caused due to bacteria, you will require antibiotics to recover.

Most Covid cases can range between mild to moderate, and only 20 percent of people get severely ill. Older adults with certain health conditions are more at risk for serious illness.

Sinus infection

A sinus infection can be treated at home and usually goes away on its own. In very rare cases, sinus infection spreads beyond the sinus cavities and causes lasting symptoms.

If you are experiencing a severe headache for weeks, go and see your doctor immediately.

COVID-19

If you notice any Covid symptom get yourself tested right away, as this is the only way to find out whether the symptoms you are experiencing is due to covid or other illness.

Get in touch with your healthcare provider or nearby health care facility to get your tests done. Stay at home until you receive your results. This will help in spreading the Covid virus to others.

When to visit a doctor?

Even if you have Covid or Sinus, it is best to consult a doctor to prevent symptoms from getting worse.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical health immediately.

• Breathing difficulty
• Chest pressure or pain
• Gar or blue fingernails, lips, and skin
• Trouble in staying up
• Difficulty in waking up

What treatment will you receive for Sinus infection vs. Covid?

Sinus infection

Most sinus infections are caused by virus attacks; therefore, antibiotics are not required. You can treat Sinus with try at-home remedies like

• getting rest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• Apply a warm compress to the nose or forehead. It eases pressure
• breathing in steamy air,
• use saline nasal drops
• taking over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms

COVID-19

You can treat mild Covid symptoms with home remedies and using the same measures as mentioned for sinus infections. 

In more extreme Covid cases, you need to be admitted into a hospital. Some potential treatments are:

• supplemental oxygen
• remdesivir, an antiviral drug
• dexamethasone, a steroid medication
• anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies
• convalescent plasma
• mechanical ventilation

After Care Practises Post a Diagnosis?

Let’s take a look at some of the steps that you can follow after receiving a diagnosis for Sinus or Covid.

Sinus infection

If you are suffering from Sinus, try at-home care methods like mentioned above; after a few days, the symptoms will start to improve, and within a week or two, they will completely go away.

If your symptoms do not improve after ten days, you should contact your doctor and take antibiotics if required.

COVID-19

If you test positive for Covid tests, do the following things:

• Stay indoors- whether you are receiving medical care or not, it is advisable to stay at home. It helps in preventing the Virus from staying limited to you and not spread to your family members and community.
• Stay in a separate room- if you live with other embers at home, avoid using common bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Use a seperate room to sleep in the bathroom. Whenever you are around others, wear a mask.
• Track your Covid symptoms- Covid 19 can at times become threatening, so make sure to keep track of all your symptoms while recovering.
• Care for Yourself- follow at-home methods to ease your symptoms and fasten the recovery process. 
• Keep yourself and your room clean- frequently wash your hands, cover sneezes and coughs and clean every surface you touch.
• If you have met anyone before getting your test results, inform them so they can get themselves tested early.

Most people do not need to get another test done and can be around others if:

• If it has been more than ten days since your symptoms last appeared. 
• It has been 24 hours without fever without any use of medicine
• You notice an improvement in your overall symptoms.

Long-haul COVID-19

Sometimes Covid symptoms can last for up to several weeks and months. If this is the case with you, you need to see your doctor immediately and start your treatment to manage the symptoms before they get worse.

These are some of the common symptoms of long haul Covid 19

• extreme fatigue
• shortness of breath
• brain fog
• heart palpitations
• aches and pains in your muscles or joints

Final Words:

Sinus infection is a common viral infection and not something to fret about. Most sinus symptoms go away within a few days and do not leave any lasting effects. 

Covid 19, on the other hand, is extremely serious and can leave long-lasting symptoms behind. This disease is highly contagious; therefore, you should isolate it to prevent spreading it to others or get a vaccine before you get Covid.

If you have recovered from Covid, getting vaccinated to stay protected and sleep people around you safe is still better.

We hope this article was helpful to you in understanding whether you have a sinus infection or Covid.