COVID-19 can cause more serious illness, especially among unvaccinated people, although treatments have improved in the past year. A runny nose is mucus being discharged out of the nose. Nausea and vomiting. Stay in a separate room from the rest of your household while you are sick. The most recent research on the Omicron variant suggests it lives longer on surfaces than previous coronavirus variants. Klopfenstein T, et al. Its worth noting, however, that the 2020-21 flu season was unusually mild, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Studies aside, it's crucial to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, given that healthcare officials are clear that any measure of protection is crucial, especially for those at risk for severe complications. Will I still be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have allergies? New loss of taste or smell. But if you have symptoms or a known exposure and you get a negative result, you should test again 48 hours after the first negative test, for a total of at least two tests, per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. Thats how we treat it, thats how you should treat it.. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. I wish I knew what I can do and calm his cough. The analysis found that loss of taste and smell was less common with omicron than with delta, occurring in fewer than 1 in 5 people. "People that are not have been shown to be still at risk for more severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, leading to hospitalization or death," Dr. Brown adds. If you feel like you have a flu or infection coming on, dont wait around to speculate and get tested as soon as possible. Unlike delta, omicron is more likely to populate the upper respiratory system. However, an itchy throat is more commonly associated with allergies. 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. Likewise, itchy eyes and nose are allergy symptoms, but not COVID-19 symptoms. (2021). Understanding 7 Common Paxlovid Side Effects, symptoms often resolve within five to 10 days, for those at risk for severe complications, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Mild symptoms include dizziness or feeling lightheaded. 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. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat.. Contact Us Current data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the XBB.1.5 strain makes up more than 60% of current cases in the U.S. 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. 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. 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. Cough. All rights reserved. World Health Organization. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Avoid sharing personal items with other people, including towels. Along with causing a dry nose, COVID-19 can also lead to a dry, sore throat. However, despite some overlap, the typical symptoms of COVID-19 are more similar to the flu (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue) than the common cold (runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches, mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, malaise). You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Influenza does mimic COVID-19 very closely, but the shortness of breath is not usually as severe as it is with COVID-19, Das told Healthline. Currently, theres no scientific evidence that dry nasal passages persist after COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). He has a bachelors of journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and worked as a reporter before joining OSF HealthCare in 2014. The information in this article is current as of the date listed. It could be the first sign of a coronavirus infection caused by the omicron variant. Certain lingering respiratory symptoms are signs that a patient recovering from COVID-19 still may test positive for SARS-CoV-2, a new study suggests. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Lancet. Omicron symptoms mimic other SARS-CoV-2 variant symptoms They include: Cough Shortness of breath Stuffy nose/nasal congestion Runny nose Sore throat Headache Fatigue Muscle aches and pain (myalgia) Chills Fever Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea 2. "Only about 5-10% of COVID-19 patients will have an isolated sore throat. Nevertheless, these people can still transmit the coronavirus to people around them. Several variants are circulating in the United States. 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. 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. 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 . Stay home and follow the current isolation and quarantine guidelines. These tests look for the virus's proteins in your nose and provide results in 15 to 30 minutes. The loss of taste or smell experienced by COVID-19 patients usually feels highly unusual to them. 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. Allergies should not cause a fever or body aches, Arthur said. Did Lockdowns and Masking Lead to Immunity Debt? 2022 Mar 14:10.1002/alr.22995. Vaccinated people were less likely to experience some other traditional symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as shortness of breath, fever, and loss of sense of smell. The virus that causes COVID-19 can potentially disrupt your mucus production and dry out your nasal passages. This is the highest. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.. Is a dry nose and throat a COVID-19 symptom? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Recovering from COVID-19 at home can be overwhelming. Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. The nasal symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to those of other upper respiratory infections and sometimes include nasal burning or dryness. Allergy Cough vs. COVID Cough: What Are the Differences? Cascella M, et al. dry cough. Journal of Internal Medicine. Even for people who do not have allergies, some are sensitive to wood smoke and fragrances from candles and other indoor perfumes. A sore throat is a symptom of COVID, no matter which variant. Insomnia Tied to Dramatic Rise in Heart Attack Risk, Just 500 Extra Steps a Day Can Lower Heart Disease Risk in Seniors, Study Suggests. How long do allergy symptoms vs. COVID-19 symptoms last? Not all symptoms are created equally. . Temperature fluctuations are not uncommon for long haulers. For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Allergies, unlike coronavirus, do not cause a fever and seldom shortness of breath. In particular, symptoms like fever, body aches, loss of taste and smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms are usually only seen with COVID-19, and not with allergies. Less common causes include something stuck inside the nose (common in small children), pregnancy, and certain medications. Being as diligent as possible is so incredibly important.. There is no information yet on whether COVID-19 causes sinusitis. Symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever or chills Dry cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea How to protect yourself from COVID-19 Get vaccinated or if you're already vaccinated, get your booster. Where we succeeded, where we didn't, and what we learned. Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, READ MORE: Some people who have experienced the coronavirus say diarrhoea was an early sign of the disease. The most common nasal symptom of COVID-19 is a change in your ability to smell. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold or allergies? Its also important to stay well hydrated, he says. If you have asthma or COPD, you are probably keenly aware of what your usual cough or other respiratory symptoms are like in winter. "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.". Its possible to develop shingles after COVID-19 vaccination or after having COVID-19, but cases are rare. And most seasonal allergies are more annoying than dangerous. Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. It causes particularly severe symptoms, although vaccinated people are still highly protected against it. Generally, [there is] no cough unless you have a lot of nasal drainage.. If you have asthma or COPD, you are probably keenly aware of what your usual cough or other respiratory symptoms are like in winter. 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. 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. And that lingering congestion can feel like it goes on forever. Typical sinus infection symptoms include: Nasal congestion. 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. Overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine if you have a sinus infection (sinusitis) or COVID-19. We recommend following the CDC guidelines and those of your local health department to prevent the spread of the virus. During those months, people spend more time inside with allergens, Melinda said. "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. An observant eye and jotting notes in a diary may help shine a light on the problem and its possible solutions. Sore throat Headache Fatigue The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other. 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. (2021). Follow the CDC guidelines for testing and care and watch your symptoms closely if you test positive. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Take appropriate steps to manage any allergies as well. Frequent swallowing. After you have identified the cause for your symptoms, you can resume your daily activities. Here are some at-home treatments and strategies that can help. Coronavirus is spread through coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. This variant has approximately 50 mutations, around 30 of which have been identified on the spike protein the part that attaches to human cells. Lee suggested over-the-counter medications like intranasal corticosteroids or second generation oral antihistamines if its difficult for you to avoid an allergen. Coughing . 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. 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. Dr. Subinoy Das, chief medical officer at Tivic Health, said the common cold rarely causes shortness of breath after fever develops. Steam Room vs. Sauna: Which Is Better for You? And during the coronavirus pandemic, those average winter symptoms feel even more alarming. If you're not sure what "fully vaccinated" means these days, our guide can help. If it is solely due to the cold air, these symptoms should resolve after a day or two. These often mild symptoms may now carry with them the gut twisting dread of a potential COVID diagnosis. Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist who treats pediatric patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Vaccinated individuals also can get COVID-19, although their risk of infection is far lower than for unvaccinated individuals. It can be hard to determine whether your symptom is because of COVID alone. Sore throat, would like to speak to a doctor. In addition to mask wearing, minimizing contact with other people and physical distancing would decrease your chances of catching the other viral infections. The Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever," according to the CDC. About 17.9 to 33.3 percent of people with it don't. In his dealings with patients, Galiatsatos has found that symptoms like sore throat and runny nose tend to linger for a longer period in individuals who arent vaccinated. Yes, one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a sore throat. Youll need to begin taking the medication within five days of the onset of symptoms like sore throat the sooner, the better. A Scratchy Throat Can Be an Early Sign of Omicron Some healthcare providers noticed that sore throat was a common symptom early in the omicron COVID-19 wave, says Scott Weisenberg, MD , an. Lechien JR, Chiesa-Estomba CM, Beckers E, et al. They could also be caused by vocal strain (using your voice too much), dry air, or a condition called gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD." In a review of data from the U.K.-based Zoe Health survey, which compared delta and omicron symptom complaints, researchers found that a sore throat and a hoarse voice were among the top omicron symptoms. Prevalence and 6-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction: a multicentre study of 1363 COVID-19 patients. Then again, it could also be the seasonal flu. By mild I mean mostly sore throat. Is a sore throat a COVID symptom? Researchers have found that omicron is more likely than earlier variants to live in the upper airway. Lopez-Leon S, et al. Both can present with just a single symptom (like a runny nose). Duyan M, et al. COVID-19 can affect and even shrink certain parts of your brain. an allergist and immunologist in Atlanta. El-Anwar MW, et al. 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. Typically, you'll have facial pain/pressure, headaches, nasal drainage and congestion, decreased or loss of sense of smell, tooth pain and sore throat. 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. Post-COVID Conditions. 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. Also, some infectious disease experts worry that because so few people got flu infections during the 2020-21 flu season, weak natural immunity rates could cause a surge in flu infections during the 2021-22 flu season. As we stay indoors more to escape the cold, we face extended exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander and more, said Gerald Lee. The nonspecific symptoms, such as sore throat and runny nose, are happening more or less equally in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, Galiatsatos says. COVID-19, like the flu or common cold, is an acute illness, meaning people feel fine until symptoms start showing up. Runny nose. But fever, muscle aches, a loss of taste or smell, nausea, and diarrhea are associated with COVID-19 and not allergies. Paying attention to subtle differences in overlapping symptoms may also help you distinguish allergies from COVID-19. 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. The CDC issued guidance on the differences in symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. 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. Nasal congestion appears as an early symptom in some studies, but sneezing can also indicate other things, like allergies. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild, he said. Although you can get sinusitis year around, it tends to accompany the cold and influenza seasons during the fall and winter months.