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How Long Will It Take Before I Can Be Assured That I Don't Have COVID?
Question: As of last night, I have had a congested nose and slight headache and I'm concerned that I may have contracted COVID. My nostrils have been burning also starting tonight after I started using the nasal spray. Is this normal or should I be concerned? I got tested with a rapid test this morning and it was negative. I also had a PCR Test done but it will not be available for 2 to 3 days. I am vaccinated but not boostered. My last vaccination shot was March 8, 2022. I have started using Mucinex Severe Nasal Congestion Relief tonight in hope that I will be able to have no real issues breathing tonight from a having a stuffed-up nose. I wanted to know can I use Tylenol Sinus Severe Acetaminophen along with the Mucinex Spray or should I just use one or the other? Also, how long will it take before I can be assured that I don't have COVID? What else should I be doing now to protect myself and others? Thanks
Brief Answer:
You can take both medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It would be safe to use the Tylenol Sinus Severe with the Mucinex spray, especially since the nasal spray has limited absorption, so there should not be any interactions between the two medications. As for diagnosing a COVID infection, the rapid tests are good tests during the first days of symptoms, while the PCR is overall more sensitive. I would say if the PCR is negative, you likely don't have COVID. In the meantime, you can do basic measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and if possible, isolation. If the PCR is negative, you do not necessarily need to do anything, but social distancing and wearing a mask would be prudent to avoid spread of whatever viral infection you might have.
As for the nose burning, this is not typical for COVID or any other viral illness, and I would suspect it has to do with the nasal spray, and I wouldn't be concerned about it as long as it resolves over time.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Thanks.
You can take both medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It would be safe to use the Tylenol Sinus Severe with the Mucinex spray, especially since the nasal spray has limited absorption, so there should not be any interactions between the two medications. As for diagnosing a COVID infection, the rapid tests are good tests during the first days of symptoms, while the PCR is overall more sensitive. I would say if the PCR is negative, you likely don't have COVID. In the meantime, you can do basic measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and if possible, isolation. If the PCR is negative, you do not necessarily need to do anything, but social distancing and wearing a mask would be prudent to avoid spread of whatever viral infection you might have.
As for the nose burning, this is not typical for COVID or any other viral illness, and I would suspect it has to do with the nasal spray, and I wouldn't be concerned about it as long as it resolves over time.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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