Affinity Health explores the link between a runny nose and Covid-19
It is also important to remember that the sniffles are prevalent throughout the winter months and can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, a cold, the flu or sinusitis.
Covid-19 is a complicated virus that has various effects on different individuals, such as cough, fever and loss of smell, which are three of the most common symptoms.
According to research, there are more than 20 symptoms of the virus, and a runny nose may be one of them.
Initially, it was believed a runny nose is not a Covid-19 symptom; however, new research from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a runny nose may indicate something more serious in both infants and adults and it could be a sign of the Delta form of SARS-CoV-2, also known as the B.1.617.2 lineage.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a component of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHIS), has been monitoring SARS-CoV-2 genomics in Gauteng and can confirm the Delta variant is becoming more prevalent. As a result, anyone who has a runny nose should think about getting a Covid-19 test done.
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It is also important to remember that the sniffles are prevalent throughout the winter months and can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, a cold, the flu or sinusitis.
Does a runny nose mean one has Covid-19?
According to the CEO of Affinity Health, Hewlett Murray, Covid-19’s ability to cause a runny nose is determined by the virus prevalence at the moment.
When Covid-19 levels are high, a coronavirus infection is more likely to induce a runny nose and it is more likely that low Covid-19 levels are an indication of anything else when they are low.
Hewlett said the only way to tell for sure if your runny nose is caused by Covid-19 is to get tested, and the decision to be tested is based on your symptoms, circumstances and doctor’s advice.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between other symptoms that typically occur during the cold season and Covid-19 symptoms. However, in most cases, Covid-19 is more likely to produce more aggressive symptoms.
These could be shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, loss of taste or smell and a dry cough.
“The time between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms also differs. Covid-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms of a common cold, on the other hand, usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.”
He also said if one is fully vaccinated, they should still look for symptoms of Covid-19 and if symptoms appear, a person should get a test and self-isolate.
“Call your family doctor if you have any doubts about your symptoms. They will talk to you about your symptoms and advise you on any further steps you should take.”
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