Despite their overlap, there are some notable differences between sinus infections and COVID-19 as well.
Aside from what causes them, this includes another battery of more unique symptoms.
A loss ofsmellor taste is a pretty clear indication its COVID-19, for instance.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
This article explains how to tell the difference between a sinus infection and COVID-19.
Some symptoms are more common in one condition than the other.
This leads to mucus buildup.
You should test yourself to know for sure if the symptoms you’re experiencing are due to COVID-19.
Causes
While COVID-19 and sinus infections share some symptoms, they are due to completely different things.
Sinus Infection
The cause of a sinus infection is inflammation of the sinuses.
Sinus infections most often occur after a cold or an allergy flare-up or in relation to a nasal condition.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a key in of coronavirus.
The virus spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness.
Your doctor might check your mucus or do an imaging test to confirm the diagnosis.
Additionally, some people who have COVID-19 do not have any symptoms.
Treatment
The treatments for a sinus infection and COVID-19 are very different.
An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is required to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment.
Sinus Infection Treatment
There are several ways to treat a sinus infection.
The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the infection.
Your doctor might take a watchful waiting approach to see if your immune system can fight the infection.
These include:
The best way to treat COVID-19 depends on how sick a person is.
For example, if someone has a mild case, they can generally treat their symptoms at home.
Another factor in appropriate treatment is a person’s risk factors for severe disease.
Therefore, preventing a sinus infection often means trying to avoid the illnesses that usually precede it.
Its also important to avoid being around people who are sick.
You should then continue to take precautions for the next five days.
COVID-19 precautions include:
Summary
COVID-19 and sinus infections both involve the respiratory system.
Sinus infections and COVID-19 are not because of the same things.
COVID-19 is due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A sinus infection can happen after a viral illness but can also be brought on by allergies.
However, if you develop severe illness, you may need to receive medical care in the hospital.
A Word From Verywell
If you have respiratory symptoms, you might fear that you have COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between COVID-19 and a sinus infection is what causes them.
A sinus infection is triggered by inflammation of the sinuses and often follows a cold or allergy flare-up.
COVID-19 is only because of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The only way to know what you have for sure is to take a COVID-19 test.
In general, people are contagious for two to three days before COVID-19 symptoms start.
COVID-19 is most contagious in the 48 hours before symptoms start and the first five days of symptoms.
Asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are considered contagious for five days after a positive test.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Sinusitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
Food and Drug Administration.Know your treatment options for COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of COVID-19 treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when youre sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to protect yourself & others.
