One of the major problems that we face as we head into the fall and the start of flu season this year is telling the difference between your run-of-the-mill cold, flu, or sinus infection and the coronavirus that has wreaked havoc on those around the world.
While there are many ways in which Covid-19 symptoms mimic sinus infection symptoms, there are also ways in which you can tell the difference between the two, which are outlined below. The Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists recommend sinus infection treatments to relieve these symptoms.
Covid-19 Symptoms
What are the signs that you have Covid-19? One of the main areas of the body that this virus tends to target is the respiratory system. This can mean anything from a simple runny nose and cough to a severe case of pneumonia or trouble breathing. However, the virus has been known to attack all over the body, and may not be limited to the respiratory system the same way a typical cold or flu would be, which is one of the reasons it is considered to be so dangerous.
Cooper University Health Care Center created a list of Covid-19 symptoms juxtaposed with sinus infection symptoms so people can differentiate between the two illnesses.
The symptoms of Covid-19 listed are:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Bluish lips or face
- Chills and aches
- Loss of smell and taste
- Conjunctivitis
- Digestive discomfort
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
If you are experiencing one or more of these sinus infection symptoms and suspect that it may be the result of Covid-19, contact your doctor or visit a testing site near you.
Sinus Infection Symptoms and Sinus Infection Treatments
A sinus infection, while it still can be a serious affliction, is treatable either with antibiotics or minimally invasive nasal procedures including Balloon Sinuplasty, depending on the severity and number of occurrences per year.
According to the Cooper University list, these are the symptoms you should look out for if you think you have a sinus infection:
- Fever
- Wet cough
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath only in severe cases
- Nasal drip
- sneezing/runny nose
- Facial pain
- Bad breath
- Swelling around the eyes
- Neck stiffness
- Vision changes only in severe cases
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect it may be the result of a sinus infection, contact your doctor immediately to start sinus infection treatments.
What’s the difference between the two illnesses?
The difference between the two illnesses is that a sinus infection remains in the respiratory tract while Covid-19 can affect all areas of the body. Johns Hopkins University cited pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) as possible serious side effects of Covid-19 symptoms, but also sepsis, which is a blood disorder that can result from the body’s response to a serious infection.
Schedule Sinus Infection Treatments Today
If you want to know more information about the difference between Covid-19 symptoms and sinus infection symptoms, contact the Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists at 954-951-4773 or visit us at our Fort Lauderdale or Plantation locations. We will provide you with sinus infection treatments that match the symptoms you are exhibiting.
