If you're not sure what "fully vaccinated" means these days, our guide can help. 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. That should give ample time for the body to develop a viral load that can be detected by a test, according to the agency. 2022;399(10335):1618-24. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00327-0. COVID-19, like the flu or common cold, is an acute illness, meaning people feel fine until symptoms start showing up. COVID-19 is a disease that can cause what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. Severe symptoms of COVID-19 that require immediate medical attention include: Bluish lips or face indicates a shortage of oxygen in the bloodstream. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Omicron may also cause milder symptoms than other variants, especially in people who have been vaccinated. Conversely, common COVID-19 symptoms not seen with allergies include fever, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Even for people who do not have allergies, some are sensitive to wood smoke and fragrances from candles and other indoor perfumes. Nausea and vomiting. (2020). "[XBB.1.5] symptoms may include a runny nose, mild cough and a sore throat. Use swabs as instructed: via the nose.. Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. But in the omicron era, some people including some infectious disease experts are hacking the kits by swabbing not just their nostrils, as directed, but also their throats. While most of the different COVID-19 variants show similar symptoms, they can vary in terms of their severity and spread. Heres a look at common symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, a cold, and allergies. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s guide for disinfecting, Prevalence and 6-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction: a multicentre study of 1363 COVID-19 patients, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related smell and taste impairment with widespread diffusion of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant, Symptom prevalence, duration, and risk of hospital admission in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during periods of omicron and delta variant dominance: a prospective observational study from the ZOE COVID Study, COVID-19 vaccines for people with allergies, You have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, Routine screening for schools or workplaces. "Only about 5-10% of COVID-19 patients will have an isolated sore throat. Its a predominant early symptom, says Dr. Weisenberg, but not every patient with omicron follows the same symptom pattern.. The Omicron variant, first reported in late November, has raised concerns, but so far cases appear to be relatively mild. However, as different strains of COVID spread, it's possible to have a COVID sore throat and no fever or other symptoms. With COVID-19, shortness of breath often occurs 5 to 10 days after the first sign of fever, Das said. Sometimes allergies result in a severe, life-threatening reaction, called anaphylaxis. 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. In addition, some people experience "long COVID," or chronic symptoms that last for weeks or months. Mild cases of COVID-19 are thought to last approximately 2 weeks, said Cutler. There's clear evidence that XBB.1.5 replicates faster than other variants that affected under vaccinated communities earlier in the pandemic; CDC data illustrates that in January alone, infection rates associated with the variant climbed upwards of 8 to 10% per week, a concerning rate. Christenson said to monitor a cough, runny nose, sore throat or nasal congestion that may occur after breathing cold air outdoors. For example, loss of taste and smell was more common with earlier COVID-19 variants, but fewer people with the Omicron variant report this symptom. Drainage down your throat from your nose Headaches Facial pain (pain or pressure in your cheeks, nose, ears, and forehead, or between your eyes) Cough Fever Bad breath Sore throat Swelling around the eyes (may get worse in the morning) Symptoms of a Sinus Infection COVID-19 Symptoms (2020). 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. If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of smell and/or taste, stay home and isolate yourself from others. Post-COVID Conditions. Less commonly, viruses like COVID-19 can lead . 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. Will both allergy and COVID-19 symptoms respond to allergy medicine? 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 . In addition, if someone in your household has COVID-19, follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s guide for disinfecting. 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, Dr. Curtis said, it's more common to have other symptoms in addition to a sore throat if you have COVID. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19, and the renin-angiotensin system. Weisenberg seconds that: The main difference between the vaccinated and boosted and the unvaccinated is that the risk of severe disease is much higher in the unvaccinated.. Learn more from this overview about the differences between allergies and COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek testing or medical care. COVID-19 and sinus infections share some symptoms. The nasal symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to those of other upper respiratory infections and sometimes include nasal burning or dryness. Likewise, itchy eyes and nose are allergy symptoms, but not COVID-19 symptoms. Christenson stressed the importance of covering your nose and mouth with a mask while outdoors. "Sore throats can be caused by viruses, bacteria or environmental irritants. However, some of them have said they did not experience a loss of taste or smell. If you have a runny nose or itchy eyes, it doesnt necessarily mean you have COVID-19. How long do allergy symptoms vs. COVID-19 symptoms last? 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. , among other triggers like wood smoke, strong fragrances or chemical smells, Christenson explained. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a coronavirus self-checker tool to help you decide when to seek testing or medical care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends isolating for: You should seek medical help if you also experience any of the CDCs emergency symptoms, which are: People with dark skin may have more difficulty noticing discoloration that indicates oxygen deprivation than people with lighter skin. . More: https://t.co/DmfPOAPMjW pic.twitter.com/Recw2ZEYx7. However, even among shared symptoms, there are some distinctions. Several variants are circulating in the United States. 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. The CDC issued guidance on the differences in symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies. The WHO is reporting a rare outbreak of the Marburg virus. Youll need to begin taking the medication within five days of the onset of symptoms like sore throat the sooner, the better. For children - seek medical attention if: Your child is younger than 2 months and has a fever. Symptom prevalence, duration, and risk of hospital admission in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during periods of omicron and delta variant dominance: a prospective observational study from the ZOE COVID Study. The working definition of post-COVID conditions was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with CDC and . This could be a topic for further research, which could pinpoint the exact point in time at which the abnormal nasal sensations, such as excessive nasal dryness, give way to other symptoms of . While you can't always prevent allergy symptoms, there are some things you can do to manage them and limit your exposure to allergens: The most effective way to manage allergies is to learn what you are allergic to and reduce or avoid exposure to it. Delta like the others appears to be more infectious. 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. Other symptoms of postnasal drip may include: A feeling of mucus draining into your throat. Health officials are expressing concerns about new variants of the coronavirus. muscle pain, especially low back pain. He has a bachelors of journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and worked as a reporter before joining OSF HealthCare in 2014. More true than ever right now because [if youre] sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test thats COVID. 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. More than 50 long-term effects of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dr. Subinoy Das, chief medical officer at Tivic Health, said the common cold rarely causes shortness of breath after fever develops. 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. Ive had unvaccinated patients have these symptoms for 10 to 14 days, whereas for vaccinated people theyre usually doing much better within a week, he says. It could be the first sign of a coronavirus infection caused by the omicron variant. The most important piece of advice at this point in time is to stay within your family unit and limit exposure.. Itchy Throat: Could It Be COVID-19 or Something Else? Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild, he said. COVID-19 Vaccine: Key FDA Panel Supports Updated Annual Shots. Symptomatology of COVID-19 from the otorhinolaryngology perspective: a survey of 223 SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive patients. The best way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 is by getting tested. However, some research suggests that COVID-19 symptoms have changed as the disease mutates and affects different populations. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Ultimately, if youre unsure whether your symptoms are from allergies or a virus, Lee encouraged seeking clarification from a doctor. Research from the Zoe COVID Study, which tracks symptoms of the disease among people in the United Kingdom, found that the top symptoms for vaccinated people who get COVID are headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and persistent cough. Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications. If you have a mild case of COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, treatment is geared toward management of symptoms, said Cutler. However, fewer symptoms were reported over a shorter period of time by people who had already had a vaccine, suggesting that they were feeling less seriously ill and getting better more quickly.. Many of the initial people to contract this variant report muscle aches as well as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Many outlets, from USA Today to the Washington Post, have highlighted leading experts' testimony which suggests that this particular strain is about five times more contagious than earlier Omicron variants (which were already spreading rapidly in years past). Paying attention to subtle differences in overlapping symptoms may also help you distinguish allergies from COVID-19. To prevent COVID-19, the CDC recommends that unvaccinated people wear face masks in indoor public places. These symptoms are more often associated with the common cold and werent typically associated with earlier presentations of COVID-19. There is a slew of widely available drugs to treat post-nasal drip and sore throat directly. . Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Take appropriate steps to manage any allergies as well. Also, visit our coronavirus hub for more information on how to prepare, advice on prevention and treatment, and expert recommendations. To find the best care, take our free COVID-19 risk assessment, or call our 24/7 Health Line at 704-468-8888 . New loss of taste or smell. It's important to note CDC officials haven't named any particular group of symptoms as being directly associated with the XBB.1.5 variant like other variants before it, any combination or severity of common COVID-19 symptoms is possible in new infections. Fatigue Headache and body aches Loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea The Flu High fever (around 102 or 103 degrees Fahrenheit) Cough Sore throat Stuffy nose Headache and/or body aches Fatigue Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea The Common Cold Sinus congestion Stuffy nose Post-nasal drip Sore throat Sneezing For symptom relief, its appropriate to take a pain reliever acetaminophen does a great job. "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. This enzyme is found in many tissues in your body, including the epithelial cells that line your nasal cells and mucus-producing goblet cells. Allergy symptoms tend to improve with antihistamine and other allergy-specific medication, he said. 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. 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. It can happen for a number of reasons: allergies, viral infections (including the common cold), sinus infections, irritants in the air (such as fumes or dust). A study published in April 2022 in The Lancet found that in individuals with three vaccine doses, omicron symptoms went away after about four days, compared with almost eight days in people who had a delta-era infection. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. Having quickly become the primary strain in new COVID-19 cases currently in the United States, a virus variant known as XBB.1.5 called the ".css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}Kraken" by some in the healthcare field is likely spreading among Americans due to misleading symptoms that may be dismissed as seasonal illness. "The XBB.1.5 variant is a mutant variant of the Omicron strain and has been shown to be the most contagious variant of Omicron that we have seen so far.". With Evusheld not currently authorized, CDC recommends people with weakened immune systems and household members take multiple prevention measures to protect themselves against COVID-19. In people who received only the initial vaccine series with no booster, symptoms lasted roughly eight days from omicron, compared with a little more than nine days from delta. Hay fever/rhinitis. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. Coronavirus and the nervous system. If you feel like you have a flu or infection coming on, dont wait around to speculate and get tested as soon as possible. COVID-19 can cause more serious illness, especially among unvaccinated people, although treatments have improved in the past year. Navaraa J, et al. If the virus is hanging out in the upper respiratory system, its probably easier for infected people to breathe it out, and easier to spread from person to person, Galiatsatos says. The Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever," according to the CDC. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.. Put petroleum jelly in the nose if it becomes irritated. With the. If you've recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection last fall, your earned immunity against this new virulent strain may not be as protective as you think. Part of HuffPost Wellness. Currently, theres no scientific evidence that dry nasal passages persist after COVID-19 infection. Although many of us have been trained to think of a sore throat as no big deal (as children, we were usually shipped off to school unless we also had a fever), COVID-19 requires a change of mentality. A few studies suggest that nosebleeds may be more common in people with COVID-19 than people without. If you feel like you have a flu or infection coming on, dont wait around to speculate and get tested as soon as possible. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Temperature fluctuations are not uncommon for long haulers. Cough drops and cough syrups can also help keep mucous secretions thinner. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While not a substitute for a consultation with a healthcare provider, it can be a useful starting point. There are a few measures you can take to lessen the confusion between COVID-19 and normal winter health woes. Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, can cause a sore throat with no fever. Tags: cough, fever, headache, sinus infection. Sore throat Headache Fatigue The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. Flu hospitalizations were at an all-time low last flu season, while COVID-19 cases surged, meaning that if you had flu-like symptoms, there may be a chance you actually had COVID-19. Insomnia Tied to Dramatic Rise in Heart Attack Risk, Just 500 Extra Steps a Day Can Lower Heart Disease Risk in Seniors, Study Suggests. An advisory panel is recommending the approval of two vaccines for RSV in older adults as concerns are rising about the spread of the illness in, Early reports find that the flu vaccine was 54% effective for adults under the age of 65 and 71% effective at providing protection for children and. As we go into these winter months, symptoms may be due to different things and lines get blurrier, said Stephanie Christenson, a pulmonologist and assistant professor in the division of pulmonary, critical care, allergy and sleep medicine at the University of San Francisco. If your first test is positive, theres no need to take another test; assume the result is correct and that you have COVID-19. During those months, people spend more time inside with allergens, Melinda said. 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. But there are also major differences: COVID-19 The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely. READ MORE: Some people who have experienced the coronavirus say diarrhoea was an early sign of the disease. Here's How to Tell. Ive told my own staff this, it's what I do myself if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. Humid or damp areas like trash cans, kitchens or bathrooms can harbor mold, as can a fresh Christmas tree and leaves or soil in your garden. Its also important to stay well hydrated, he says. A runny nose is mucus being discharged out of the nose. Serota also urged getting a flu shot and continuing to wash your hands and practice good health hygiene. Keep in mind that COVID-19 tests can produce false negatives, meaning your results say you don't have the virus when you really do. A review of studies published in March 2021 identified more than 50 long-term symptoms in people recovering from COVID-19, but dry nasal passages wasnt one of the identified symptoms. Thats why a good rule of thumb is, when in doubt, you may want to consider getting tested for COVID-19. Infectious disease experts have established that XBB.1.5 spreads more effectively due to a genetic mutation providing "stronger binding capabilities" to hosts, according to materials published by UCDavis Health. We recommend following the CDC guidelines and those of your local health department to prevent the spread of the virus. 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. One early COVID patient was a 65-year-old woman who travelled from Wuhan to Italy in January 2020 and was soon admitted to a hospital with a cough, sore throat and conjunctivitis in both eyes. Nasal congestion appears as an early symptom in some studies, but sneezing can also indicate other things, like allergies. 2022 Mar 14:10.1002/alr.22995. Typically, you'll have facial pain/pressure, headaches, nasal drainage and congestion, decreased or loss of sense of smell, tooth pain and sore throat. This can last a long time, even after the virus has gone. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat.. There is no information yet on whether COVID-19 causes sinusitis. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. What Should You Do If You Feel Sick but Keep Testing Negative for COVID? Lee suggested over-the-counter medications like intranasal corticosteroids or second generation oral antihistamines if its difficult for you to avoid an allergen. 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. Inflamed tissues both swell up and produce fluid. Thats particularly true if youre fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Conversely, itchy eyes and facial pain are more typical of allergies than a COVID-19 infection. 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. Chen M, et al. Allergies and COVID-19 share some overlapping symptoms. Anaphylaxis. Home remedies may also help. Because of potential safety issues and concerns about inaccurate results, among other worries, the FDA issued this tweet in January 2022: Please dont go sticking that #COVID19 testing swab down your throat. (2021). 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. I wish I knew what I can do and calm his cough. 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. You may feel like there's a lump in the back of your throat. Sore throat. scratchy or sore throat. If you experience any warning signs, including difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, or trouble staying awake, seek emergency medical care right away. 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. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Allergy Cough vs. COVID Cough: What Are the Differences? Many conditions besides COVID-19 can also cause dry nasal passages. These can include: The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. The researchers also found that nasal dryness commonly occurred together with complete or partial loss of smell and taste, and tended to appear before other COVID-19 symptoms. But dry nasal passages in the absence of more typical flu-like symptoms are unlikely to be a sign of COVID-19 infection. 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. Use a vaporizer or humidifier to ease dryness. Can a COVID-19 Vaccine Increase Your Risk of Shingles? Pfizer Says Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Significantly Increases Antibodies to Fight Omicron. In addition, allergy coughs often result from irritation and discharge. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. That said, you don't have to have every possible symptom to suspect COVID-19 or allergies.