Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSneezing: A Known Symptom of COVIDSneezing in COVID vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. AllergiesTreatments to Manage Sneezing With COVIDCovering Sneezing to Reduce SpreadWhen to Get COVID TestedTelehealth With COVID Symptoms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sneezing: A Known Symptom of COVID
Sneezing in COVID vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. Allergies
Treatments to Manage Sneezing With COVID
Covering Sneezing to Reduce Spread
When to Get COVID Tested
Telehealth With COVID Symptoms
Sneezingcan be a symptom of COVID-19. It was originally thought to be a much rarer symptom. It has since become more common withnewer COVID-19 variantsand in vaccinated people who contract the virus.Even so, thecommon coldandallergiesare a more likely cause of sneezing. Sneezing is also aflu symptom.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, thecoronavirusthat causes COVID-19, can lead to arespiratory infectionthat 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.
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 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, includingOmicron. 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 invaccinated peoplemay 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 likepneumoniaand breathing troubles.
Why the Virus Causes Sneezing
Many 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:
These Are the COVID Symptoms You Should Know This Fall
Distinguishing COVID from a cold, flu, or allergies can be difficult if you rely on sneezing alone as a symptom.
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.
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 toallergens, 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 arapid 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 apolymerase 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.
Do I Have a Cold or COVID?
Sneezing in Long COVID
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.
Treating 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:
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.
Covering 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:
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.
Guidance for COVID-19 testing comes from the CDC. The guidelines have been updated to align COVID-19 recommendations with other respiratory illnesses. The CDC has focused their recommendations on a timeline based on symptoms, rather than the result of a test:
However, if you test positive, you are more likely able to spread the virus, so you may still want to test before a large event or when visiting a high-risk person. Test at least 24 to 48 hours before the event or visit.
High Risk for COVID-19According 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, beingimmunocompromised(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.
High Risk for COVID-19
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, beingimmunocompromised(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.
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, beingimmunocompromised(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.
Telehealthuses 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:
Seek immediate medical attention for these severe symptoms. Call 911 or head to your local emergency department.
Summary
Sneezing 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.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy habits: coughing and sneezing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you’re sick.
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