While sneezing is not a definitive symptom of COVID-19, some people infected with the Delta variant have complained of sneezing. Sneezing is common in other conditions such as the common cold, flu, or allergies.
According to the CDC, some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
What causes sneezing?
Sneezing is the body’s way of expelling irritants that interact with the thin lining or mucous membrane of nasal passage or throat. Sneezing can be a symptom of the following conditions:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Allergies
- Breathing in irritants such as dust or chemicals
When to get tested for COVID-19
Although sneezing is not a definitive symptom of COVID-19, you should get tested for the virus if you experience accompanying symptoms such as:
- Sore throat
- Fever higher than 100 F for more than 3 days
- Severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of smell and taste
While you can buy over-the-counter COVID-19 tests from your local pharmacy to test at home, the best way to detect COVID-19 is to get tested at your doctor’s office. Your doctor may use two types of tests:
- Viral tests: Viral tests use samples from the nose or mouth. There are two types of viral tests:
- Rapid tests
- Laboratory tests
- Antibody tests: An antibody test can detect antibodies to COVID-19 in your blood.
How to protect others from getting sick if you are sneezing
When you sneeze, the droplets may contain coronavirus or other viruses and spread to other people. According to the CDC, you can prevent the spread of infection by:
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbows while coughing or sneezing
- Turning your face away from people while sneezing or coughing
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing
- Using an alcohol-based sanitizer if washing with soap and water is not feasible
- Maintaining social distancing
- Wearing mask that covers your mouth and nose to prevent transmission of the virus to people around you
When to seek medical attention
Sneezing rarely causes serious issues that need medical attention. However, if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, contact a doctor:
Medically Reviewed on 12/22/2021
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/etiquette/coughing_sneezing.html
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-it-covid-19-a-cold-or-seasonal-allergies/
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/etiquette/coughing_sneezing.html
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-it-covid-19-a-cold-or-seasonal-allergies/
Complete List
Top Is There a Lot of Sneezing With COVID-19 Related Articles
11 Facts About Sneezes and Sneezing
Sneezing is a common experience we all share. It is your body's method of removing anything that may be irritating the nose. Sneezing, in scientific terms, is also called sternutation.
Can Diarrhea Be an Initial Symptom of COVID-19?
COVID-19 has become a common illness that affects many people. Learn the signs of COVID-19, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention: Test Your Medical IQ
What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Should wear a mask or not? Take this quiz to find out!
Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body
By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Facts Quiz
The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective as established by data from large clinical trials.
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
When you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common cold or the flu (influenza). While fever is common with the flu and COVID-19, sneezing is typically only associated with colds. Though sore throats are typical with colds, they are uncommon with COVID-19 infections and the flu.
How Do the COVID-19 Coronavirus Tests Work?
Tests used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) may use two methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19 disease, a debilitating and potentially deadly viral pneumonia. Genomic or molecular detection confirms the presence of viral DNA. The immunoglobulin or serology tests can tell whether or not you have been exposed to coronavirus, but not whether you are currently infected. Both tests administered in tandem can give you your complete COVID-19 infection status.
How to Stop Sneezing?
A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth. Anything that irritates the nose can result in sneezing. Sneezing can be triggered by particles of dust, pollen, spices, or animal dander. Sneezing is a semiautonomous reflex that is similar to blinking and breathing, meaning there is a level of conscious control over it.
Is Fever a Symptom of COVID-19?
Fever is a symptom of COVID-19, although not everyone presents with fever. Learn about other COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you are infected.
Lung and Respiratory: Signs That You May Have Had COVID-19
Could you have already had COVID-19 and not know it? Learn some signs that might indicate just that.
What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
Both the PCR test and antigen test can be used to determine whether you have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. While it takes longer to get results, a PCR test is usually more accurate than an antigen test.
How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.
Tests Available for COVID-19
Getting tested for COVID-19 can identify you as a positive or negative patient of the disease. Remember no test is 100% accurate. Different methods of testing have been launched to trace COVID-19 infection.
What Drugs May Fight COVID-19? Drug Trials, Treatments, Vaccines
What drugs could help fight coronavirus COVID-19? Clinical studies are ongoing for antiviral drugs like hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine remdesivir, lopinavir and favipiravir, as well as COVID-19 vaccines. Learn why anti-flu respiratory drugs and home remedies may prove useful to treat or prevent serious coronavirus infections.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
Infection with COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV) causes respiratory problems in humans. Transmission of COVID-19 occurs mainly through contact with respiratory sections from an infected person, however, fecal contamination may also spread the virus. Symptoms start off flu-like and progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, headache, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, muscle pain, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom relief. COVID-19 vaccines are available.