Is sneezing a symptom of infection with the novel coronavirus?
Nov 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, if sneezing is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and dry cough, and there is a history of epidemiological exposure, it may indicate a novel coronavirus infection. However, if sneezing is the only symptom and there are no other typical symptoms of COVID-19, it may not be a novel coronavirus infection. If a novel coronavirus infection is suspected, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for testing and a definitive diagnosis.
Generally, if sneezing is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, fever, dry cough, and has an epidemiological contact history, it might indicate a SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, if sneezing is the only symptom without other typical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it may not be caused by SARS-CoV-2. Detailed analysis is as follows:
After SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus invades the patient's respiratory system, causing inflammation and stimulating the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which may lead to sneezing. Additionally, patients may experience other discomforts such as fatigue, fever, dry cough, body aches, and clear nasal discharge. If a patient presents with sneezing along with several of these symptoms and has an epidemiological contact history, they may have contracted SARS-CoV-2.
Sneezing is a common occurrence in daily life and not a specific symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It can also appear in common colds, allergic rhinitis, or other allergic reactions. If sneezing occurs without other typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as persistent high fever, dry cough, or difficulty breathing, and there has been no recent contact with confirmed cases or travel to high-risk areas, then sneezing is likely unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
If SARS-CoV-2 infection is suspected, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for nucleic acid or antigen testing to confirm the diagnosis.
