Sinus Infection or COVID-19: Ways to tell the Difference and When to See a Doctor
September 18, 2024 | Tags:
You wake up and your nose is a little stuffy. Later in the day, you feel congested. And – oh no – now you can’t smell anything!
While loss of smell is a known symptom of COVID-19, it’s not exclusive to this illness. The inability to smell could also be a sign of a sinus infection.
Dr. Dwight McFadden, Assistant Medical Director at Medical Mutual, discusses the differences and similarities between these two illnesses, and when you should see a doctor.
Key Differences
Both COVID-19 and sinus infections (called sinusitis) are spread from person to person through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While COVID-19 is a virus, sinus infections can be viral, bacterial or, in less common cases for those who are immunocompromised, fungal. These illnesses can affect the sinuses, hollow spaces in the bones of the face that connect to the nose. “The lining of these spaces makes a thin mucous that can trap and protect us from dust, dirt and infections,” Dr. McFadden said.
While they have similar symptoms, there are some key differences to tell each illness apart:
- COVID-19: Symptoms vary, with some people experiencing fever, headache, chills and body aches, and others presenting with upper respiratory symptoms like cough, runny nose and sore throat. Some people even have diarrhea.
- Sinus Infection: Symptoms typically include congestion, postnasal drip (mucus draining down the throat), facial pressure made worse when bending forward, tooth pain, swelling in the face and around the eyes. Some people experience fever, ear pressure, bad breath and fatigue.
The severity and length of illness is also a key difference. COVID-19 tends to be more severe as the lungs are often affected, leading to shortness of breath, chest pain or low oxygen levels, while sinus infections do not affect the lungs and typically clear up within a week when treated with decongestants. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or cardiac disease, talk with your primary care provider (PCP) before taking decongestants.
Antibiotics will not treat COVID-19 or a viral sinus infection. However, your primary care provider (PCP) may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection if your symptoms are severe, worsen with treatment or last more than 10 days.
It’s not just sinus infections; a cold and the flu could also be the culprit as both share symptoms with COVID-19.
When You Should See a Doctor
“People who test positive for COVID-19 and have high-risk factors, such as cardiac or pulmonary disease, or those who are immunocompromised, should see a doctor immediately, especially if symptoms are severe,” Dr. McFadden said.
If you or a loved one experiences concerning symptoms, like shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of consciousness, confusion or high fever that does not respond to medication, seek immediate care regardless of your risk factors. If you are unsure of your symptoms, you can call our Nurse Line 24/7 at 1-888-912-0636 (TTY 711 for hearing impaired).*
Prevention is the Best Medicine
To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading these illnesses, preventive measures – handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you’re sick – crucial.
Older adults, especially those over 65, are at higher risk of complications for COVID-19. Vaccinations for COVID-19 are available for preventive measures and are highly recommended for this age group. No vaccinations currently exist to prevent sinus infections. However, those with sinus infections caused or worsened by allergies might consider allergy shots (immunotherapy) to reduce symptoms.
Talk with your PCP about your options and if they are covered by your insurance.
Resources Available to You as a Medical Mutual Member
It’s important to have a PCP that understands your medical history. If you don’t have a provider, Medical Mutual can help. Use the Find a Provider search tool or call the Customer Care number listed on the back of your member ID card.
Our Customer Care team can also help connect you with COVID-19 vaccination providers who are in your network of coverage.
*Nurse Line is not available to all members.