Sinus Infection or Cold? How to Tell the Difference




Got a stuffy nose, sore head, and feeling drained? You might be asking yourself — is this just a cold or could it be a sinus infection? While both can feel quite similar at first, there are important differences in symptoms, duration, and treatment.

In this blog, we’ll help you spot the signs, understand what’s happening in your body, and know when to seek help — including via online doctor consultations in Australia.

🤧 What Is a Cold?

A cold is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract. It’s common, contagious, and typically clears up in 7–10 days without needing antibiotics.

Common Cold Symptoms:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Mild fatigue
  • Cough
  • Low-grade fever (sometimes)
  • Watery eyes

Colds usually start with a scratchy throat or sneezing and progress to nasal congestion or post-nasal drip. While annoying, symptoms are generally mild.

🤒 What Is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection (or sinusitis) occurs when the sinuses — the air-filled spaces in your skull — become inflamed and filled with mucus, usually due to infection.

It can be:

  • Viral sinusitis (most common, short-lived)
  • Bacterial sinusitis (longer-lasting, may require antibiotics)

Sinus Infection Symptoms:

  • Facial pain or pressure (especially around eyes, cheeks, or forehead)
  • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  • Blocked nose that lasts more than 10 days
  • Sinus headache
  • Loss of smell
  • Bad breath or metallic taste
  • Tooth pain (upper jaw)
  • Fever (in some cases)

A key difference? Sinus infection symptoms tend to last longer and cause more facial discomfort compared to a common cold.

🤔 Cold vs Sinus Infection: Key Differences

Symptom

Common Cold

Sinus Infection

Duration

7–10 days

10+ days or more

Nasal discharge

Clear or watery

Thick yellow/green

Facial pain

Rare

Common (especially pressure)

Fever

Mild or none

Sometimes present

Bad breath

Rare

Often present

Sinus headache

Rare

Common

Tooth pain

Unlikely

Possible

🩺 When to See a Doctor

You should speak to a web doctor online or in person if:

  • Symptoms last more than 10 days
  • Facial pain or swelling worsens
  • You have a persistent fever
  • There's yellow/green nasal discharge for several days
  • You feel short of breath or dizzy

You can book a telehealth consultation in Australia to discuss your symptoms and receive treatment from home. If needed, a medical certificate for sinus infection can also be issued.

💊 Treatment Options

For the Common Cold:

  • Rest and hydration
  • Over-the-counter decongestants or pain relievers
  • Saline nasal spray
  • Throat lozenges

For Sinus Infections:

  • Saline rinses or steam inhalation
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Pain relievers (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen)
  • Antibiotics (only if it’s bacterial and prescribed by a GP)
  • Prescription sprays (steroids or antihistamines if allergies are involved)

🩹 Prevention Tips

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay hydrated and get enough sleep
  • Use a humidifier in dry environments
  • Treat allergies promptly (as they can trigger sinus infections)

💻 Telehealth Makes It Easy

Don’t want to visit a clinic while feeling unwell? Hola Health offers access to online GP in Australia, so you can:

  • Discuss symptoms from home
  • Receive prescriptions or referrals
  • Get a doctor's certificate for work if you need to rest
  • Ask about blocked nose treatment or sinus medication
  • Get peace of mind without leaving bed

Final Thoughts

When you’re feeling stuffy and sore, it’s easy to confuse a common cold with a sinus infection — but spotting the signs early can help you recover faster. If symptoms worsen or linger beyond a week, it’s best to consult a telehealth GP or book an online doctor appointment to rule out anything serious.

 

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