What is this? upper respiratory infection/sinus infection and now I can't hear, taste or smell things - not COVID

[Anonymous]

I got hit with some type of virus -woke up with a very sore throat 10+ days ago, then upper respiratory symptoms started, and fatigue. Initially, I thought it was COVID but I took two at-home tests and nothing. Went to the primary doctor after 6 days of rest, hydration, soups and over the counter cough medicine. Doctor sent me home with an antibiotic and albuterol bc she heard "crackling in my lungs" on physical exam. My congestion, cough, and ability to breathe improved dramatically.

Fast forward, I have 2 days left of antibiotic and only needed the albuterol for 2 days BUT my ears still feel very clogged, I can't hear, taste or smell anything other than a strange burning smell. I am doing all the over-the-counter treatments, including hot showers, neti pot, fluids, turmeric, etc. I broke down in the middle of the night and made an appointment with the ENT. I'm curious if this triggered something with my sinuses that is more serious? Has anyone ever experienced something similar?

[Anonymous]

It's probably covid but you needed to test more than two days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's probably covid but you needed to test more than two days.

I tested at day 2 and day 10 and both were negative. Also tested in doctor's office last week and their test was negative.

[Anonymous]

I've had clogged ears during a respiratory infection, which ended up being a secondary ear infection. Successfully treated with an antibiotic and prednisone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's probably covid but you needed to test more than two days.

I agree with this. While some other viruses will sometimes cause loss of taste and smell (and congestion can reduce hearing, that's pretty typical), covid is circulating right now and is known for it.

FWIW, I got covid in April and lost my sense of smell and taste for the first time. I took high doses of turmeric and it came back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got hit with some type of virus -woke up with a very sore throat 10+ days ago, then upper respiratory symptoms started, and fatigue. Initially, I thought it was COVID but I took two at-home tests and nothing. Went to the primary doctor after 6 days of rest, hydration, soups and over the counter cough medicine. Doctor sent me home with an antibiotic and albuterol bc she heard "crackling in my lungs" on physical exam. My congestion, cough, and ability to breathe improved dramatically.

Fast forward, I have 2 days left of antibiotic and only needed the albuterol for 2 days BUT my ears still feel very clogged, I can't hear, taste or smell anything other than a strange burning smell. I am doing all the over-the-counter treatments, including hot showers, neti pot, fluids, turmeric, etc. I broke down in the middle of the night and made an appointment with the ENT. I'm curious if this triggered something with my sinuses that is more serious? Has anyone ever experienced something similar?

YES! I just came to ask for help on how to get over the head and ear congestion.

I don't know what this is but it's going around. My husband had it, then I got it. His turned bad - doc thought bronchitis - his doc prescribed inhaler and some kind of steroid.

I got a steroid from my doc, but crashed out yesterday after I finished it and today still have the congestion, ears blocked, and slight dizziness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I got hit with some type of virus -woke up with a very sore throat 10+ days ago, then upper respiratory symptoms started, and fatigue. Initially, I thought it was COVID but I took two at-home tests and nothing. Went to the primary doctor after 6 days of rest, hydration, soups and over the counter cough medicine. Doctor sent me home with an antibiotic and albuterol bc she heard "crackling in my lungs" on physical exam. My congestion, cough, and ability to breathe improved dramatically.

Fast forward, I have 2 days left of antibiotic and only needed the albuterol for 2 days BUT my ears still feel very clogged, I can't hear, taste or smell anything other than a strange burning smell. I am doing all the over-the-counter treatments, including hot showers, neti pot, fluids, turmeric, etc. I broke down in the middle of the night and made an appointment with the ENT. I'm curious if this triggered something with my sinuses that is more serious? Has anyone ever experienced something similar?

YES! I just came to ask for help on how to get over the head and ear congestion.

I don't know what this is but it's going around. My husband had it, then I got it. His turned bad - doc thought bronchitis - his doc prescribed inhaler and some kind of steroid.

I got a steroid from my doc, but crashed out yesterday after I finished it and today still have the congestion, ears blocked, and slight dizziness.

^^Also tested negative for COVID. Although I think it still could be.

[Anonymous]

Flu

[Anonymous]

My daughter had RSV, Flu A simultaneously and tested negative for COVID and lost taste for about 5 or 6 months, so not always COVID. Hydrate, saline rinses, Mucinex (without any of the extras meds), gargle warm water and salt for sore throat, Tylenol, and rest. Do get tested for strep throat.

[Anonymous]

New strain of covid. When people say "its not covid" that makes me laugh.

It's not the flu:
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html

[Anonymous]

It’s NOT covid. Something bacterial is going around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New strain of covid. When people say "its not covid" that makes me laugh.

It's not the flu:
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html

There are a lot of viruses out there. Not everything is Covid. If repeated testing says no, including at the doctor’s office, why attempt to “diagnose” it as such from the information provided in a social media post?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New strain of covid. When people say "its not covid" that makes me laugh.

It's not the flu:
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html

There are a lot of viruses out there. Not everything is Covid. If repeated testing says no, including at the doctor’s office, why attempt to “diagnose” it as such from the information provided in a social media post?

OP will be seeing an ENT. OP, please update us after the ENT visit.

[Anonymous]

This seems like what I have now. Horrible. Update, OP?

[Anonymous]

for gods sakes why do people still think that two at home tests mean you DONT have covid?

take some more covid tests. make sure they are the kind that also tests for flu.

two negative home tests for covid does NOT mean you can say you dont have covid