Coronavirus explainer: Are your symptoms a sign of COVID’s Omicron or allergies? How to tell the difference – Times of India

Since the onset of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the kind of symptoms commonly associated with the illness has changed. While with the Delta variant, that is said to have driven the second wave of infection in India, the symptoms were more severe and life-threatening, with Omicron, the ailments are considerably milder.

According to experts, while the Delta affected the lower respiratory tract, the Omicron is said to attack the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms of sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, muscle pain, fever, etc.

However, these upper respiratory symptoms are also reported in people who suffer from allergies, which are caused by an entirely different property i.e. airborne substances like pollen.

Therefore, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, headache, and tiredness are also symptoms of allergies, which may make it difficult to identify the cause of your illness.

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Coronavirus explainer: Are your symptoms a sign of COVID's Omicron or allergies? How to tell the difference - Times of India