A stuffy nose, facial pressure, and a lingering headache can make anyone feel miserable. But in today’s world, many people wonder– is it just a sinus infection or could it be COVID-19? Since both conditions share some overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart without proper testing. Understanding the key differences between a sinus infection and COVID-19 can help you determine the best course of action for treatment and when to seek medical care.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our medical team is here 7 days a week to provide immediate medical care. No appointments are required, just walk-in today!
What Causes a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull that produce mucus to keep the nasal passages moist. When these passages become blocked, bacteria or viruses can grow, leading to an infection.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Nasal congestion and thick, discolored mucus
- Facial pressure or pain
- Headache
- Postnasal drip
- Sore throat and cough
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Fatigue and mild fever
What Causes COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that transmits via respiratory droplets from affected persons. Unlike sinus infections, COVID-19 is extremely contagious and may not necessarily be a localized infection. While early COVID-19 strains often led to severe respiratory illness, newer variants may present cold-like symptoms, making it harder to distinguish from other infections.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and body aches
- Nasal congestion
- Loss of taste or smell
- Headache
COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and some people may have only mild congestion, making it easy to confuse with a sinus infection.
Sinus Infection vs. COVID-19 Symptoms
|
Symptom |
Sinus Infection |
COVID-19 |
|
Fever |
Rare, mild |
Common, moderate to high |
|
Nasal Congestion |
Common, severe |
Common, mild |
|
Runny Nose |
Thick, yellow/green mucus |
Clear mucus or none |
|
Facial Pain & Pressure |
Common, around eyes and forehead |
Uncommon |
|
Headache |
Common due to sinus pressure |
Common, often with fatigue |
|
Cough |
Mild, from postnasal drip |
Common, dry cough |
|
Fatigue |
Mild to moderate |
Can be severe |
|
Sore Throat |
Sometimes, from postnasal drip |
Common |
|
Body Aches |
Rare |
Common |
|
Shortness of Breath |
Rare |
Can be severe |
When To Seek Medical Care
If you have symptoms that could be either a sinus infection or COVID-19, testing is the best way to confirm the diagnosis. You should seek medical attention if:
- Your symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen over time
- You have a high fever or severe headache
- You experience shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or dizziness
- You develop swelling around the eyes, facial pain, or vision changes
Urgent care centers can perform diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide supportive care to treat symptoms for both sinus infections and COVID-19.
Get Walk-In Illness Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
Sinus infections and COVID-19 have some overlapping symptoms, but there are distinct differences to help you identify the two. If you have much worse fatigue, fever, or sudden loss of smell, it’s more likely to be COVID-19. If your symptoms are primarily sinus pressure and thick mucus, a sinus infection is the likely cause. Still unsure? The best way to find out is to get tested. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove for evaluation and treatment. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and operates on a walk-in basis– no appointments necessary. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (973) 239-2300.
