When you’re sick, it’s not always clear what you’re dealing with. Are those aches and congestion from the flu? Is your cough the last echo of a lingering COVID-19 case? Or is that facial pressure and thick drainage a sign of a sinus infection that needs real treatment?

At ENT Memphis, Dr. Rande Lazar sees these questions daily. In Memphis, where seasonal changes and allergies already increase upper respiratory issues, it’s more important than ever to know the differences between flu, COVID-19, and sinusitis. Understanding these distinctions can help you seek the right care—and get relief faster.

COVID-19: The Respiratory Wildcard

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and, even years after the pandemic’s peak, continues to cause confusion because of how widely its symptoms vary. Many people now experience COVID-19 more like a mild cold: sore throat, nasal congestion, and fatigue. Others still deal with more traditional symptoms like dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

One distinguishing feature, especially in earlier variants, was the sudden loss of smell or taste. Today, that symptom is less common but still possible. COVID symptoms tend to come on gradually, and can last longer than other viruses. In some cases, lingering symptoms such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or a persistent cough may indicate something more—like a secondary sinus infection.

Dr. Rande Lazar helps patients understand when persistent symptoms after COVID mean it’s time to look deeper. Nasal endoscopy and imaging at ENT Memphis can identify sinus inflammation that might be missed elsewhere.

Flu: Fast, Fierce, and Fatiguing

The flu (influenza) is typically easier to identify because it hits hard and fast. Most patients go from feeling fine to severely ill in just a few hours. Hallmark symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever
  
• Intense body aches and chills
  
• Severe fatigue

Unlike COVID-19, the flu doesn’t usually cause nasal congestion or sinus pressure unless a secondary infection develops. Most people recover within a week, though fatigue may linger.

If your symptoms change after a few days—especially if facial pain, thick nasal discharge, or worsening congestion appear—Dr. Lazar advises that you might be developing sinusitis. That’s when it’s time to consult an ENT specialist.

Sinusitis: Lingering Pain and Pressure

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is often mistaken for a cold or part of another virus. But it’s actually caused by inflammation in the sinus cavities, often after a viral illness like a cold or flu. When sinuses don’t drain properly, mucus builds up, pressure increases, and infection can set in.

Symptoms of sinusitis often include:

• Facial pain or pressure (especially around the eyes and cheeks)
  
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
  
• Congestion that lasts more than 10 days
  
• Pain that worsens when bending forward

In chronic cases, symptoms can last for weeks or months and significantly affect quality of life. That’s where ENT Memphis can help. Dr. Rande Lazar offers advanced diagnostics to confirm whether you’re dealing with ongoing sinus inflammation or infection.

For patients who have not found relief through traditional medications, Dr. Lazar may recommend endoscopic sinus surgery. Using a thin, lighted scope inserted through the nose, he can access hard-to-reach sinus areas, remove blockages, and restore normal airflow. This outpatient procedure is especially effective for patients with chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, or ongoing congestion that resists standard treatment.

For children with recurrent sinus issues, ENT Memphis also offers sinus window procedures (antrostomy). These small openings help improve drainage and reduce the likelihood of future infections.

Summary: When to Seek ENT Expertise

If you’re still unsure what’s causing your symptoms, here’s a quick comparison:

• Flu: Sudden onset, high fever, intense body aches, short-lived.
  
• COVID-19: Gradual onset, dry cough, fatigue, may linger, may include loss of smell.
  
• Sinusitis: Localized pain, facial pressure, thick nasal discharge, symptoms last >10 days.
  

When symptoms evolve or persist beyond what’s typical for a virus, it may be time to call in a specialist.

At ENT Memphis, Dr. Rande Lazar offers expert diagnosis and treatment for sinusitis, chronic nasal issues, and post-viral complications. Whether you need conservative care or advanced procedures like endoscopic sinus surgery, you can trust Dr. Lazar and his team to guide you toward lasting relief.

Don’t let confusing symptoms keep you from getting better. Schedule a consultation at ENT Memphis today and breathe easier knowing you’re in expert hands.