When you’re dealing with a stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue, it’s easy to wonder: is it just a common cold or has it turned into a sinus infection? The two share many overlapping symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. While both can cause nasal congestion and pressure, a sinus infection usually develops after a cold or due to prolonged inflammation in the sinuses. Knowing how to distinguish between the two conditions helps you follow the right treatment and recover faster.

For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our medical team specializes in treating patients of all ages in Elizabeth, NJ. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance by checking-in below.

Check-In Online

How to Identify the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract, mainly your nose and throat. More than 200 viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common. Cold symptoms usually appear gradually, peaking within a few days and improving within 7 to 10 days. Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics won’t help. Treatment focuses on rest, hydration, and symptom relief with over-the-counter medications.

Symptoms of a cold typically include:

• Runny or stuffy nose 
• Sneezing 
• Sore throat 
• Mild cough 
• Headache or mild pressure 
• Fatigue 
• Low-grade fever (occasionally)

Understanding Sinus Infections

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the lining of the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen. This swelling blocks normal mucus drainage, trapping bacteria or viruses inside the sinuses. There are two main types of sinus infections: viral and bacterial. Viral sinusitis is more common and often develops after a cold. Bacterial sinusitis may occur when symptoms persist or worsen after about 10 days.

Common sinus infection symptoms include:

• Facial pain or pressure (especially around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks) 
• Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose 
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge 
• Postnasal drip or sore throat 
• Headache that worsens when bending forward 
• Fatigue 
• Fever

Unlike a cold, sinus infections often cause more intense facial pressure and thicker mucus.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and a Sinus Infection

Although both conditions can make you feel congested and drained, there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart:

1. Duration of Symptoms:

• A cold typically improves within a week 
• A sinus infection can last 10 days or longer, or may worsen after initial improvement

2. Type of Nasal Discharge

• A cold usually causes clear or slightly cloudy mucus 
• A sinus infection often leads to thick, yellow or green discharge due to trapped bacteria

3. Facial Pain, Pressure, and Fever

• Colds can cause mild pressure, but sinus infections cause pain and tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead 
• Fevers are uncommon with colds but more likely with sinus infections, especially bacterial ones

If your cold symptoms linger or worsen after a week, especially if facial pressure, headaches, or fever appear, you may have developed a sinus infection.

When To Visit Urgent Care

You should visit an urgent care center if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days 
• Fever 
• Severe facial pain or swelling 
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge 
• Recurring sinus infections within a few months 
• Headache, dizziness, or tooth pain that worsens over time

At urgent care, providers can perform a physical exam to determine whether your symptoms are due to a cold or sinus infection. If bacterial sinusitis is suspected, you may be prescribed antibiotics. For viral sinus infections or colds, treatment may include decongestants, nasal sprays, or antihistamines to relieve pressure and improve drainage.

Get Walk-In Cold & Sinus Infection Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth in Elizabeth, NJ

While both the common cold and sinus infections share similar symptoms, the key differences lie in duration, severity, and the type of congestion you experience. A sinus infection typically causes longer-lasting symptoms, thicker nasal discharge, and more facial pressure. If your symptoms persist beyond a week or start to intensify, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for fast, expert diagnosis and relief. Our team can determine whether your sinus infection is viral or bacterial, recommend effective treatment, and help you breathe clearly again.

We’re open 7 days a week– just walk-in today! We accept most major health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us directly at (908) 677-5900.