Key Takeaways:
- Sinus infections typically develop after a cold and are characterized by facial pressure, thick mucus, and congestion.
- Flu symptoms come on suddenly and often include fever, chills, cough, and body aches.
- The flu can sometimes lead to a sinus infection, making diagnosis tricky.
- Many mild sinus and flu symptoms can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies.
- Seek medical care for severe symptoms like high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
As the weather cools, Connecticut’s flu season is fast approaching. With flu season comes the challenge of determining whether your stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, or body aches are caused by the flu or by something else, like a sinus infection. Because the flu and sinus infections share some similar symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish between them.
At Physicians Alliance of Connecticut (PACT), our expert providers can help you navigate seasonal illnesses, with accurate diagnosis of sinus vs. flu symptoms and personalized treatment plans to help you feel better.
Understanding Sinus Infections vs. Flu
A sinus infection happens when your sinuses — the air-filled spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose — become irritated and swollen. Often, this is caused by viruses, such as the common cold. The swollen sinuses become blocked and fill with fluid, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as facial pressure or a stuffy nose. While sinus infections are unpleasant, they’re usually not serious.
The flu, on the other hand, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects your nose, throat, and sometimes lungs. The illness ranges from mild to severe, with symptoms including fever, cough, and headache. For some individuals, the flu can trigger serious and life-threatening complications.
Sinus vs. Flu Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference
When you’re feeling unwell during flu season, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether your symptoms are caused by the flu or a sinus infection.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
A sinus infection typically develops after you’ve had a cold, but you might also notice sinus infection symptoms after another illness or even alongside your seasonal allergies. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- A runny nose with thick, yellow, or green mucus
- A blocked or stuffy nose
- Mucus dripping down your throat
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Pressure around your nose, eyes, and forehead, especially when you bend over
- Pain or pressure in your teeth or ears
- Headache
- Fever
Sinus infections typically last around a week to 10 days. Some people experience recurring sinus infections, with symptoms recurring several times throughout the year. Chronic sinus infections last at least 12 weeks.
Flu Symptoms
Unlike sinus infection symptoms, which may develop gradually after a cold or other illness, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Often, the first symptom is a fever between 100°F and 104°F. Other common symptoms include:
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Cough
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in kids)
Most flu symptoms typically subside within one to two weeks, although coughing and fatigue may persist for several weeks.
Can the Flu Cause a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection is a potential complication of the flu, making it more complicated to distinguish between sinus and flu symptoms. The influenza virus may irritate your sinuses and trigger a sinus infection. If your flu symptoms start to improve, but sinus symptoms like facial pressure or a stuffy nose with thick mucus set in, you may have a sinus infection.
Treating Sinus vs. Flu Symptoms
While sinus infections and the flu are distinct illnesses, there is some overlap in the way they’re treated. In many cases, sinus and flu symptoms can be managed at home with simple remedies or over-the-counter options, but there are times when medical care is necessary to prevent complications and help you feel better.
Home Care and Over-the-Counter Relief
When you have a mild flu or sinus infection, there are some steps you can take at home to relieve your symptoms and start feeling better. At-home care for sinus vs. flu symptoms can include:
- Resting at Home: Taking it easy and getting more sleep can help your immune system fight infections and also help prevent the spread of illness.
- Drinking Plenty of Fluids: Water, juice, and soup are all good choices to stay hydrated, which can help loosen thick mucus.
- Taking Over-the-Counter Products: You may choose to take medicines like decongestants, cold medicines, or cough drops.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your doctor if you’re dealing with sinus vs. flu symptoms that concern you, aren’t getting better, or come back repeatedly. They can recommend appropriate next steps, which could include diagnostic testing or prescription medications.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious symptoms associated with a sinus infection or flu, including:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- High fever
- Chest pain or pressure
- Ongoing dizziness
- Vision changes
- Seizures
- Stiff neck
- Mental changes, like confusion
Looking for Sinus or Flu Care in Connecticut?
Whether you’re dealing with sinus symptoms, flu symptoms, or both, getting the right care can help you get on the path to recovery. At PACT, our expert providers are ready to support you through diagnosis and treatment. Find a provider in your neighborhood today and experience the PACT difference.
FAQ: Sinus vs Flu Symptoms
Q: How can I tell the difference between sinus and flu symptoms?
A: Sinus infections usually cause facial pressure, thick yellow or green mucus, and pain around the nose or forehead. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, chills, cough, and body aches.
Q: Can the flu turn into a sinus infection?
A: Yes. A sinus infection can be a complication of the flu. If your flu symptoms start to improve but you develop facial pressure or thick nasal discharge, you may have a sinus infection.
Q: How long do sinus infections and the flu last?
A: Sinus infections typically last 7–10 days, while chronic cases may last 12 weeks or more. The flu usually resolves in 1–2 weeks, but fatigue and cough may linger.
Q: What are the warning signs that I should see a doctor?
A: Contact your provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures.
Q: How are sinus vs flu symptoms treated?
A: Both conditions can often be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies. Providers may recommend prescription medications or additional care if your symptoms are severe or recurring.
