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Sneezing Symptoms In COVID Explained
A Deep Dive Into One COVID Symptom
Medically reviewed by Reza Samad, MD
Sneezing can be a symptom of COVID-19. It was originally thought to be a much rarer symptom. It has since become more common with newer COVID-19 variants and in vaccinated people who contract the virus. Even so, the common cold and allergies are a more likely cause of sneezing. Sneezing is also a flu symptom.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, can lead to a respiratory infection that affects the sinuses, throat, lungs, or airways. A person infected with COVID-19 can release aerosol particles and droplets of respiratory fluid that contain the virus and pass the virus on to others. Sneezing, coughing, talking, and singing can produce droplets.
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This article will cover why COVID-19 causes sneezing, conditions that cause similar symptoms, treatments to manage sneezing in COVID-19, reducing spread, testing, and more.
Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Getty Images
Sneezing: A Known Symptom of COVIDSneezing might be an early sign of COVID-19 or indicate a milder disease, especially in vaccinated people. It was initially not considered a COVID-19 symptom, but it is being found increasingly more often with newer virus variants, including Omicron. The World Health Organization (WHO) first identified Omicron in November 2021.
A study reported in 2022 found sneezing was becoming quite common with COVID-19. In that study, researchers found sneezing affected up to 70% of people with the condition. It was the fourth most common symptom linked to Omicron.
People who are vaccinated may experience less severe symptoms of COVID-19. Mild symptoms in vaccinated people may include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. Vaccination might also prevent serious illness from COVID-19. This means that if you are infected, you are less likely to become severely ill and experience complications like pneumonia and breathing troubles.
Some people with COVID-19 may experience longer-term symptoms after more severe symptoms of the condition. A runny nose might accompany these. However, sneezing after recovering from COVID-19 is more likely caused by a cold or allergies.
Why the Virus Causes SneezingMany symptoms of COVID-19, including sneezing, can occur with other conditions. Any condition that affects the nose and throat can overlap.
Sneezing with any of these conditions results from irritation of the inner membrane linings of the nose and throat. By sneezing, the body is trying to expel irritants that have interacted with the mucous membrane.
Sneezing is not the only symptom of COVID-19. Additional symptoms include:
Related: These Are the COVID Symptoms You Should Know This Fall
Sneezing in COVID vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. AllergiesDistinguishing COVID from a cold, flu, or allergies can be difficult if you rely on sneezing alone as a symptom.
COVID-19, the flu, and colds are caused by different viruses. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, and rhinoviruses cause the common cold. Influenza viruses cause the flu.
While the viruses spread in some of the same ways, cold symptoms are often less severe than COVID-19. With a cold, you can have a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and cough. The common cold does not cause aches and pains like COVID-19; you will typically feel better within a few days. Sneezing is considered a typical symptom of the common cold and occurs much less with COVID-19.
COVID-19 and the flu both cause fever, cough, body aches, and headaches. Both diseases can spread to others even if you are not experiencing symptoms. They are spread by tiny particles from the nose and mouth with sneezing, coughing, and talking.
Allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes or ears. But allergies, unlike COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold, are not contagious. Allergies result when the immune system overreacts after exposure to allergens, including dust, tree and grass pollen, and pet dander.
Ultimately, the only way to know if COVID-19 is the cause of your symptoms is to get tested. If you have symptoms, you should isolate and consider taking a rapid antigen test, which you can buy at a local pharmacy.
If you have severe symptoms or are a high-risk person, contact your healthcare provider to be tested with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, typically administered in a medical setting or pharmacy. If you test positive, your healthcare provider can provide additional treatments.
The following chart compares sneezing and other symptoms for COVID-19, a cold, the flu, and airborne allergies. A caveat is that symptoms may vary for newer COVID-19 strains.
Symptom
COVID-19
Cold
Flu
Allergy
Sneezing
Sometimes (more common with newer variants)
Common
Sometimes
Common
Fever
Common
Rare
Common
Never
Body Aches
Common
Rare
Common
Never
Runny Nose
Common
Common
Sometimes
Common
Sore Throat
Common
Common
Sometimes
Sometimes
Cough
Common
Common
Common
Sometimes
Related: Do I Have a Cold or COVID?
Sneezing in Long COVIDSome people affected by the COVID-19 virus can experience long-term effects of the infection, known as long COVID. These effects are symptoms or conditions that continue long after the infection. Symptoms associated with long COVID include chronic cough, heart palpitations, severe fatigue, sleep problems, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not consider sneezing a symptom of long COVID, and persistent sneezing is more likely linked to allergies.
Treatments to Manage Sneezing With COVIDTreating sneezing associated with COVID-19 involves treating the entire condition and all its symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms, including a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and sneezing, treatments might include:
Related: COVID-19 Treatments: What You Need to Know
Most people who become sick with COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms and can get better at home.
You manage mild symptoms at home by doing the following:
Follow your healthcare provider's advice about caring for yourself and staying home. Ask your healthcare provider about additional treatments if you are over 65 or have a chronic medical condition. If you must leave home, wear a mask to reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.
Covering Sneezing to Reduce SpreadCovering your nose and mouth when you sneeze can reduce the spread of germs. This is especially important if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms.
To reduce the spread of germs from sneezing related to respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, the CDC recommends the following measures:
Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you sneeze.
If you cannot grab a tissue quickly enough, sneeze into your upper sleeve and not in your hands.
Move away from others if you have to sneeze.
Put used tissue in the trash right away.
After sneezing, wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid close contact with others who are sick. If you are sick, you should stay home from work or school to reduce the spread.
When to Get COVID TestedGuidance for COVID-19 testing comes from the CDC. The latest guidelines suggest:
Test right away if you have symptoms.
If you test negative and still have symptoms, wait 24 hours to test.
If you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case and do not have symptoms, wait five days to test.
Test before a large event or when visiting a high-risk person. Test at least 24 to 48 hours before the event or visit.
According to the CDC, high-risk persons have underlying risk factors or medical conditions that would increase their risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Factors and conditions that put you at an elevated risk include older age, being immunocompromised (having a weakened immune system such as from health conditions or medications), and having an underlying health condition like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
Telehealth With COVID SymptomsTelehealth uses electronic information and telecommunication methods to allow people to get healthcare from their homes. You might consider telehealth if you cannot leave your home due to feeling ill, not wanting to expose others, not having transportation, or for other reasons.
To use telehealth, you need a computer, smartphone, or other smart device with access to the Internet.
Consider telehealth if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Sneezing on its own is rarely a concern, even if you have tested positive for COVID-19. However, if you feel extraordinarily sick or are at high risk for severe complications, scheduling a telehealth visit with your healthcare provider is a good idea. They can assess symptoms and prescribe additional treatments.
More severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
Chest pain or pressure
Sudden loss of speech or movement
Severe confusion
The inability to stay awake or wake up
Pale, gray, or blue-colored lips, skin, or nail beds
Seek immediate medical attention for these severe symptoms. Call 911 or head to your local emergency department.
SummarySneezing has become a more common symptom of COVID-19, especially as new variants emerge. It is also common in vaccinated people who experience a milder case of the disease. Regardless of vaccination status or COVID-19 variant, symptoms are generally similar and experienced from mild to severe.
If you experience sneezing with COVID-19, you might also have a runny or stuffy nose. While sneezing has become more common in COVID-19, sneezing can also be related to other health conditions, including the common cold, the flu, and allergies. These conditions can lead to similar symptoms, but sneezing is more common with the cold, flu, or allergies, and persistent sneezing is often related to allergies.
Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 can be spread through sneezing. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or sneeze into your elbow to reduce the risk of germs. Afterward, wash your hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
You should get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms, have been around someone who is sick, or before going to a major event or visiting a high-risk person. Call your healthcare provider for severe symptoms or if you are considered high-risk. Call 911 or head to your local emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or severe confusion.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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Why Aren't My Allergies Improving?
SOURCES:
Victoria Smith, MD, associate medical director, St. Charles Parish Hospital and primary care, Ochsner Medical Center, Kenner, LA.
Sandra Hong, MD, staff allergist, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
PubMed Health: "Hay Fever and Dust Mite Allergies: Overview."
Asthma UK: "Pollen," "Sensitivity to Histamine and Other Vasoactive Amines.���
Mayo Clinic: "Allergy Medications: Know Your Options," "Hay Fever."
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Allergies: Who Has Allergies," "Types of Allergies: Allergic Rhinitis."
National Institute of Environmental Health: "Cigarette Smoke."
Top Ten Foods And Tricks To Naturally Treat Cold And Flu Symptoms
Before reaching for the nasal spray, lozenges or paracetamol, it's well worth looking at natural remedies to beat those icky cold and flu symptoms. From olive oil and berries through to taking a shower and using a saline spray, there's a surprising lot you can do without raiding the medicine cabinet.
Before you reach for the nasal spray, lozenges or paracetamol, it is more than worth looking at some completely natural ways to banish cold and flu symptoms.(GettyImages)
With summer already a distant memory, the yearly battle to overcome a blocked nose or sore throat has already begun for many of us.
Colds are often spread through the air as they're coughed or sneezed. Once inhaled, symptoms can include a stuffy, runny nose, scratchy, tickly throat, sneezing, watery eyes and a low-grade fever. In short, we all know how rotten it can make you feel. But before you reach for the nasal spray, lozenges or paracetamol, it is more than worth looking at some completely natural ways to banish such cold and flu symptoms, while giving your immune system a boost at the same time.
Food and Flavour expert, Phil Bianchi from The Gift Of Oil lists the top five best foods for those who can't seem to escape cold and flu season.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a great natural ingredient and can also be used to improve your immune system. The olive oil can help to reduce inflammation in the body and the polyphenols help to improve immunity by activating the body's main defence structure. Heating the oil can make it less effective so keep it cool or at room temperature with a nice balsamic vinegar and crusty bread to dip.
Honey
Honey is another brilliant natural remedy, often used for sore throats and colds due to its soothing effects. Honey also contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that fight against viruses and bacteria.
Berries
Berries are super high in Vitamin C, making them an ideal remedy for the common cold. Vitamin C helps the body to make antibodies, which are proteins that fight off illnesses. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all great sources of Vitamin C and are easily added to your diet for that extra immunity boost.
Oily fish
Oily fish is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids that can help your immune system work more effectively. Omega-3 has strong anti-inflammatory properties which play a large part in reducing inflammation from your white blood cells. Eating oily fish is generally recommended as part of a healthy diet so increase your usual intake around cold and flu season to help keep your immune system strong.
Onion
Onions contain sulphur compounds that help fight mucus and promote the expulsion of mucus from your airways. Onion is considered to be a powerful natural antibiotic, and they're so easy to incorporate into your everyday diet!
"For the ultimate anti-cold and flu meal, try a honey-glazed salmon salad with an olive oil dressing, and caramelised onions and enjoy some berries for dessert", says Phil.
Relieve congestion with a warm compress
A soothing, warm compress can help relieve congestion by opening up the nasal passages from the outside. Making your own warm compress is very straightforward. Simply soak a small towel in warm water then make sure you squeeze as much water out of it as you can. Next you just need to fold it up and place it over your nose and forehead. This is a fantastically gentle solution, which can be very comforting and repeated as often as necessary.
Keep hydrated
If you're battling a cold or experiencing flu-type symptoms you need to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Keeping nice and hydrated can help to thin the mucus in your nasal passages, sending the fluids out of your nose and relieving the pressure in your sinuses. Remember that less pressure means less inflammation and irritation. As a side note, if you also have a sore throat, warm liquids such as tea can often help to ease any discomfort.
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Take a shower
If you have ever jumped in the shower with a stuffy nose, you may have been pleasantly surprised to find you can often breathe more easily afterwards - but why? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says steam from a shower may actually thin out the mucus in your nose, thus reducing inflammation. Grabbing a nice, hot shower has the power to help your breathing return to normal - at least temporarily. It is possible to get the same effect by breathing in hot water from a sink or bowl. This can be enormously comforting and really help you feel more like your usual self.
Grab a saline spray
If hydration is your goal then you could take things up a notch with a saltwater solution spray - also known as saline. Using one will definitely increase the moisture in your nostrils which could provide some relief.
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Drain those sinuses
Have you ever heard of a 'neti pot'? It may sound a little icky but it's essentially just a container designed to flush mucus and fluids out of your nasal passages. The Food and Drug Administration recommends using distilled or sterile water instead of tap water.
But how do you use a neti pot? Thankfully, it's quite simple:
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