Read our. For example, with allergies, nasal discharge tends to be clear and fatigue is mild. Wash hands or shower and change clothing after spending time outside. (2020). 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. Maybe constant throat clearing happens only during spring, pointing toward allergies, or perhaps after drinking coffee, a reason to consider reflux. 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. Health officials are expressing concerns about new variants of the coronavirus. 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. Conversely, itchy eyes and facial pain are more typical of allergies than a COVID-19 infection. But fever, muscle aches, a loss of taste or smell, nausea, and diarrhea are associated with COVID-19 and not allergies. Anything that feels different or any increase in your usual respiratory symptoms should prompt you to isolate and inform your doctor, Christenson said. The CDC issued guidance on the differences in symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19, and the renin-angiotensin system. Coronavirus and the nervous system. It could be the first sign of a coronavirus infection caused by the omicron variant. But were also seeing surges in COVID-19 all over the country, so theres a greater chance of getting infected. Influenza, however, causes between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths per year in the United States. 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. READ MORE: Some people who have experienced the coronavirus say diarrhoea was an early sign of the disease. 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. Here's what's known right now. Use swabs as instructed: via the nose.. Your sore throat could also be the result of a strep throat infection. 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. 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. No shortness of breath. Sore throat. Combined with limited research that suggests vaccine immunity isn't as strong as it was prior to the arrival of variants, some healthcare experts believe that breakthrough reinfections are more likely now than in years past. 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. A few studies suggest that nosebleeds may be more common in people with COVID-19 than people without. Moreno, by contrast, said sore throat often "comes hand in hand with sinus congestion and headache." Data from the Zoe COVID Symptom Study, which uses a smartphone app to log how hundreds of . (2021). COVID-19 and sinus infections can cause similar symptoms, like headache, sore throat, and cough. 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. 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 Most over-the-counter medicines have not proven to be effective against a cough or sore throat, according to Landon. In some countries, including Canada, people who suspect they have COVID-19 can purchase at-home testing kits (PDF) that analyze a sample from both the nose and the throat. Some people who develop a COVID-19 infection dont have any symptoms or feel unwell. All a little uncomfortable, but fine, Dr. Spencer tweeted as the first wave of omicron began to hit the United States in December 2021. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Runny Nose. Keep the windows closed and stay indoors when. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. This article. Melinda recommends only using reputable resources such as the CDC, OSF HealthCare or your primary care provider anytime you have questions or concerns about an illness. One difference is sinusitis tends to take longer, around 10 days, to develop into a bacterial infection, while COVID-19 will come on more quickly.. Even a specialist in infectious disease cant determine that, he says. 2021;290(2):451-461.doi: 10.1111/joim.13209. The nonspecific symptoms, such as sore throat and runny nose, are happening more or less equally in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, Galiatsatos says. Use a vaporizer or humidifier to ease dryness. This is possibly due to preventive steps taken against COVID-19. 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. 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. But there are also major differences: COVID-19 The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely. 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. (2020). 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. The virus that causes COVID-19 can potentially interfere with mucus production. 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. Lee suggested over-the-counter medications like intranasal corticosteroids or second generation oral antihistamines if its difficult for you to avoid an allergen. Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days, Complaints of drip in the throat from the nose, Swelling around the eyes, worse in the morning, Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. 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. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma. Sometimes for asthma or COPD patients, it may take weeks to months to really get all the way back to baseline. The XBB.1.5 variant continues its rise to dominance throughout the United States, with a substantial jump from last week, out-competing all other variantshttps://t.co/jjl2AnOYb5 pic.twitter.com/MX65YwsZUq. You can ease symptoms with a saline nasal spray, and place a cool-mist humidifier near your bed . David Pruitt is a writer for the Marketing & Communications division of OSF HealthCare. If you have an itchy nose or itchy eyes, this is more likely an allergic reaction. Gurgling or hoarseness. COVID-19 can affect and even shrink certain parts of your brain. Your nasal discharge is yellow or green and you also have sinus pain or fever. If your symptoms are mild or moderate but youre at high risk of developing severe illness, drugs such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) can help keep you out of the hospital. Theres been an increasing number of people reporting partial or complete loss of smell, as well as a distorted sense of smell. But dry nasal passages in the absence of more typical flu-like symptoms are unlikely to be a sign of COVID-19 infection. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of COVID-19, which occurs prior to the development of pneumonia.. However, she said, differentiating becomes more difficult during the winter, when all three diseases may be widespread. Treatment depends on the cause but can include medications to decrease inflammation and treat the infection. This content is imported from twitter. . Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Symptoms of the Delta variant include stomach pain, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, joint pain and hearing loss. Conversely, common COVID-19 symptoms not seen with allergies include fever, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. (2021). Allergies should not cause a fever or body aches, Arthur said. Post-COVID Conditions. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. Other symptoms, according to Alexandra Kreps, M.D., an internist at Tru Whole Care, include "changes in your voice, swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw area, and when looking at your tonsils . If you feel like you have a flu or infection coming on, dont wait around to speculate and get tested as soon as possible. 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. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0399077X20301104?via%3Dihub. Without testing, determining whether you have a sore throat from allergies or COVID-19 can be challenging. COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This can last a long time, even after the virus has gone. COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know. These can include: The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, an itchy throat is more commonly associated with allergies. Where we succeeded, where we didn't, and what we learned. COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold or allergies? But experiencing a dry nose in the absence of more typical COVID-19 symptoms is unlikely to be a sign of infection. Compared to COVID-19, the common cold doesn't seem so bad but it can still put you out with a sore throat, stuffy nose and malaise. Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. . 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. An observant eye and jotting notes in a diary may help shine a light on the problem and its possible solutions. Insomnia Tied to Dramatic Rise in Heart Attack Risk, Just 500 Extra Steps a Day Can Lower Heart Disease Risk in Seniors, Study Suggests. Digestive symptoms, like stomach pain, might be among the earliest symptoms of COVID-19 that you experience. The information in this article is current as of the date listed. A sore throat can be an early symptom of COVID-19, but how common it is can vary. As new research becomes available, well update this article. 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. 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. Generally, we saw similar symptoms of COVID-19 being reported overall by people who had and hadnt been vaccinated, according to a report from the Zoe COVID Study. Meanwhile, CDC data suggests that influenza rates are dipping to their lowest since September, despite concerns of a "tripledemic" earlier this winter. If you are concerned, seek medical care right away. (2020). Here's How to Tell. Allergies and COVID-19 do have some overlapping symptoms. Consult with an allergist to help you determine the best option. .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. Typical sinus infection symptoms include: Nasal congestion. And most seasonal allergies are more annoying than dangerous. Serota also urged. Open windows or use an air purifier to improve ventilation. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Mild symptoms include dizziness or feeling lightheaded. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Sore throat. If you're not sure whether your symptoms could be the result of allergies or COVID-19, it's best to play it safe and take a test. 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. 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. Nasal congestion and runny nose have both been reported in people with COVID-19. 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. A dry nasal passage has many potential causes. Why Trust Us? 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. 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. Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Body aches Congestion or runny nose Cough Fatigue Fever or chills Headache Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea New loss of taste or smell Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat "Symptoms can be similar, but there are subtle differences. Likewise, itchy eyes and nose are allergy symptoms, but not COVID-19 symptoms. 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. Follow the CDC guidelines for testing and care and watch your symptoms closely if you test positive. Wintry air can also compromise the moist protective lining in your airway, added David Serota, an infectious disease physician in Miami. Coughing . Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.