COVID-19 virus has been spread all over the world, and people are more concerned about the complications that it brings to their bodies. We are already aware that coronavirus can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. It has also been indicated that COVID-19 can affect the ears and bring out ear infections.
Besides, did you know that the symptoms of coronavirus and ear infections might be similar?
You can get a fever and headaches in both cases. Therefore, this article will discuss the differences between coronavirus and ear infections and the complications that COVID-19 causes.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, is a disease that can be transmitted from an infected person’s nose discharges to another person and affect the lungs and airways of a human.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection is a disease that occurs when a viral or bacterial infection affects the middle ear, the section of your ear behind the eardrum. Ear infections can happen by several causes, such as colds, allergies, sinus infections, changes in air pressure, or excess mucus.
We will now discuss the differences between symptoms of COVID-19 and ear infections.
COVID-19 vs. ear infections
| Symptoms | COVID-19 | Ear infections |
| Fever | Yes | Yes |
| Headache | Yes | Yes |
| Sore throat | Yes | No |
| Dry cough | Yes | No |
| Nasal congestion | Yes | No |
| Chest pain | Yes | No |
| Digestive discomfort | Yes | No |
| Chills and aches | Yes | No |
| Loss of smell and taste | Yes | No |
| Tiredness | Yes | No |
| Fullness in ears | No | Yes |
| Hearing loss | No | Yes |
| Loss of balance | No | Yes |
| Trouble sleeping | No | Yes |
| Draining fluid from ears | No | Yes |
As you can see, fever and headaches are the same symptoms that you can have in both coronavirus infections and ear infections. This will help you differentiate and understand the cause of your situation.
Common arguments on COVID-19 and Ear infections
1. Can ear infections be a symptom of COVID-19?
Ear infections are not listed as symptoms of COVID-19, but it is possible to have earaches and pains due to the coronavirus. The most common symptoms of coronavirus have been listed above.
2. Does COVID-19 cause ear infections?
Coronavirus has not been associated with ear infections generally. But mucus and pus can be built up behind the eardrum. Cold, flu or upper respiratory tract infection can cause fluids collected by the eardrum to be infected. This will lead to cause pressure and pain in the ears.
3. Is it possible to get an ear infection after the coronavirus?
Even though it does not have a higher possibility, you might get experienced ear infections.
How do you treat ear infections during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Most of your ear infections get cured on their own. But if the symptoms of ear infections do not improve, then you will have to go for medications like antibiotics. In some chronic ear infections, it might be necessary to place the tubes in the ears to clean the ear fluid.
You will have to seek medical support if your ear infection symptoms last more than 24 hours or become severe. You will have to take necessary precautions in order to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
Final Thoughts
COVID-19 has affected millions of people at every stage all over the world. As we already know, coronavirus is a disease that can be transmitted from an infected person’s nose discharge to another person and affect the lungs and airways.
Studies have found that the virus can affect your ears and cause ear-related health issues. But it is important to know that some similar symptoms like fever and headaches can be caused in both cases.
This article has brought you down everything you need to know about COVID-19 and ear infections. So you can take this as a guide to differentiate the two.
