Sinus Infection or COVID? How to Know When It’s More Than Allergies

 

Lisa woke up feeling awful. Her head was heavy, her nose was blocked, and her throat was scratchy. She groaned, rolling over in bed. Was it just allergies again? Or was it something worse? Her mind raced.

"Could it be a sinus infection? Or worse… could it be COVID?" she thought.

With so many illnesses having similar symptoms, it’s hard to tell what’s going on. Should she take allergy medicine and move on with her day? Or should she get tested for COVID?

If you’ve ever been in Lisa’s shoes, you’re not alone. Sinus infections, allergies, and COVID-19 share many symptoms. But there are key differences. Let’s break it down so you can know what you’re dealing with.

 

Understanding Sinus Infections

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, happens when your sinuses become inflamed. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even allergies. When your sinuses swell, mucus gets trapped, leading to pressure and pain.

 

Common Symptoms of Sinus Infections

• Stuffy or runny nose (with thick, yellow or green mucus)


• Facial pain or pressure (especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks)


• Headache


• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat)


• Bad breath


• Cough (especially at night)


• Fever (sometimes)

One key thing about sinus infections is that they usually develop after a cold or allergies. If you've had a stuffy nose for over ten days or your symptoms suddenly get worse, it could be a sinus infection.

 

What About COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus and spreads easily from person to person. It affects the respiratory system and can have mild to severe symptoms.

 

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

• Fever and chills


• Dry cough


• Shortness of breath


• Fatigue


• Body aches


• Loss of taste or smell


• Sore throat


• Runny or stuffy nose


• Headache

COVID-19 symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually. Some people only have mild symptoms, while others get very sick. If you’ve been around someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms like fever and loss of taste or smell, it’s best to get tested.

 

How to Tell the Difference?

Sinus infections and COVID-19 have overlapping symptoms. However, there are few key differences:

 

Fever 

Sinus infections sometimes cause a mild fever, but COVID-19 often causes a higher fever.

 

Loss of Taste or Smell 

This is a big sign of COVID-19. While sinus infections can make it harder to smell due to congestion, COVID-19 often causes a sudden and complete loss of taste and smell.

 

Mucus Color 

Sinus infections usually cause thick yellow or green mucus. COVID-19 typically causes a dry cough and clear mucus.

 

Body Aches 

COVID-19 often causes muscle aches and fatigue, while sinus infections mainly affect the head and face.

 

Shortness of Breath 

COVID-19 can make breathing difficult, while sinus infections usually don’t.

 

Could It Be Just Allergies?

Allergies can cause sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. But they don’t cause fevers, body aches, or loss of taste and smell. If your symptoms come and go depending on the season or environment, allergies might be the culprit.

 

Common Allergy Symptoms

• Sneezing


• Itchy, watery eyes


• Clear, runny nose


• Postnasal drip


• No fever

If allergy medicine helps, then it’s probably allergies. But if you develop a fever, fatigue, or loss of smell, it’s time to consider other possibilities.

 

What Should You Do?

Lisa had a decision to make. Should she rest and wait it out, or should she take action? Here’s what you should do if you’re in a similar situation:

 

Check your symptoms carefully

Compare them with the lists above.

 

Monitor your condition

If you’re feeling worse after 10 days or have a sudden fever, you may need medical attention.

 

Take an at-home COVID test

If you’re unsure, testing is the best way to know.

 

Consult a doctor if needed

If your symptoms are severe, don’t hesitate to get professional advice.

 

How to Treat Each Condition

If you have a sinus infection, try these remedies:

• Use a saline nasal spray or rinse


• Drink plenty of water


• Rest and get enough sleep


• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (if needed)


• Use a humidifier to ease congestion

If you have COVID-19, follow these steps:

• Isolate yourself to prevent spreading it to others


• Stay hydrated and rest


• Take fever reducers if needed


• Monitor your symptoms and seek medical help if they worsen

If it’s allergies, manage them with:

• Antihistamines or allergy medications


• Avoiding triggers (dust, pollen, pet dander)


• Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons

 

Conclusion

Lisa decided to take a COVID test. Thankfully, it was negative. She realized her symptoms matched a sinus infection. She followed home remedies, rested, and felt better in a few days.

The next time you feel under the weather, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, compare your symptoms, and take the right steps. Whether it’s a sinus infection, COVID, or allergies, knowing the difference helps you get the right treatment and feel better faster.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of your health!

WoW Health offers preventive care for a better life. Moreover, virtual urgent care is also available. The purpose of this is to make health accessible and affordable for everyone so that no one suffers. This became the reason for the revamping of our logo. The soothing yellow color in our logo shows the affordability.

 

Faqs

1- What is the difference between Sinus and COVID-19?

There are many differences in symptoms of both. However, certain things are overlapping. In both of these, fever occurs. But in COVID, severe fever can occur. Moreover, in case of COVID, loss of smell and taste occurs. On the other hand, in sinus this is not a major thing to occur.

 

2- How to decide whether we have sinus or COVID?

There are many symptoms that we can look for. Moreover, there are certain signs that show the existence of either of these. However, for better understanding, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. He can guide you about your disease after proper examination and tests?

 

3- From where could I get diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis could be done by many healthcare providers. You can get yourself checked at the nearest hospital or at home by a covid tool kit for its examination.