Coronavirus: Is it a sinus infection or COVID-19? How to tell the difference?

If you struggle with sinus problems, then your symptoms may confuse you whether you have a sinus infection or you are infected with Coronavirus. Germs like viruses and bacteria can lead to sinus infection due to build-up of fluid in the sinuses -- which are located on each side of the bridge of your nose, near your eyes, behind the forehead and cheeks.

If your sinus infection is caused by a virus, you can even be contagious. If caused by bacteria, then it won’t spread. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is highly contagious, so infected people should follow proper isolation protocols.

In any case, knowing the difference between the two is important and there are certain signs and other factors that can help you tell the two apart. When in doubt, it is best to seek medical guidance from a doctor.

First, here are some symptoms that overlap and are common in both the conditions. It is ideal to avoid getting in contact with other people, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Sanitize your hands regularly and wear a face mask in public places. Common symptoms include:

-runny or stuffy nose

-fatigue

-headache

-sore throat

-fever

-cough

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Here are some symptoms of sinus infection, experiencing which may help to differentiate these from Coronavirus. One of the most common signs is sinus pain, or feeling pressure around the upper cheeks, forehead, or inner portion of the eyes. Postnasal drip is another good indicator of a sinus infection. These symptoms usually occur with other common symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose.

Other identifying signs of sinus infection include toothache, bad breath and differently colored nasal drainage.

There are also some signs which are unique to COVID-19 and rarely occur in case of a sinus infection. One such important symptom is digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These won’t happen in case of a sinus infection. Body aches and pains can also be caused by COVID, but not by sinus, which usually impacts your head and facial area. Shortness of breath is another identifying feature of COVID-19.

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After seeking proper treatment, a sinus infection typically clears up in 2-3 weeks. COVID-19 infection usually lasts for a week or two after initial infection, depending on the severity of the disease and if you have any other health issues.

COVID-19 patients may also experience lingering symptoms such as cough and loss of smell or taste. These could be signs of long COVID, and can even persist for weeks, months or even years.

Long COVID-19 symptoms can seem mild, which is why people may ignore them without consulting a doctor. However these can persist for weeks, months or even years, which is why you should see your doctor to learn about your options for managing these symptoms. Some of these signs include:

-brain fog

-aches and pains in your muscles or joints

-extreme fatigue

-shortness of breath

-heart palpitations