The symptoms of Omicron BA.5 resemble sinusitis. Doctors point out five main differences
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Omikron BA.5 has recently become the dominant COVID-19 mutation in the world and at the same time one of the fastest and easiest to spread. It attacks both those who have had it and those who are fully vaccinated. Its symptoms are similar to those that appeared with infections with other variants, but it is also difficult to distinguish them from diseases that we have known well for years, such as sinusitis.

  1. Symptoms of infection with different variants of the coronavirus are usually similar to other diseases: upper respiratory tract infections, flu, and sinusitis.
  2. The latest variant of COVID-19, called Omicron BA.5, in many cases resembles a sinus infection
  3. Many patients – also in Poland – claim that at the beginning of the infection they developed these “sinus” symptoms
  4. There are several elements specific to each of the two diseases that make it possible to distinguish them from each other without texting on COVID-19. However, it must be remembered that only the COVID-19 test will give us certain information about what we are suffering from
  5. More interesting information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page

Sinus infection can very often be confused with an infection with the latest variant of the coronavirus, so when observing the symptoms characteristic of this disease, it is worth taking a COVID-19 test, just in case, to be sure what we are really suffering from. How to distinguish between two different diseases with similar or even identical symptoms? We advise.

Sinus infection – what is it?

In order to get a good understanding of the symptoms, it’s helpful to know what a sinus infection is and what effects it may have. Basically, sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membranes that line the nose and sinuses. As a result, it is difficult to drain secretions from the nose and sinuses – that is, the air-filled spaces around the nose and forehead. The disease manifests itself primarily with a recurrent runny nose, pain when moving the head, a feeling of crowding around the forehead and cheeks. It usually appears in the fall or winterwhen there are large differences in temperature inside and outside. The drying of the mucosa then facilitates the penetration of pollutants and pathogenic microorganisms into the sinuses.

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What to look for?

The nasal passages are the starting point for COVID-19 for most patients, according to doctors at the University of Ohio. Runny nose is an increasingly common symptom of the latest variants of the coronavirus, but is rarely associated with sinuses.

In order to distinguish the symptoms of two diseases, it is worthwhile, among others, pay attention to the duration and order in which symptoms appear, as well as the time of year. There are also different ailments that accompany the most important symptoms of sinusitis and COVID-19 infection.

If you have symptoms, symptoms that indicate a coronavirus infection, opt for a SARS-CoV-2 test using the Real Time RT-PCR method.

The five most important differences between a sinus infection and Omicron BA.5

1. A sinus infection usually attacks us in the fall or winter, is often a derivative of a previous cold. Similar symptoms observed, for example, during hot summer months, may indicate COVID-19, and more specifically – its variant Omikron BA.5.

2. The symptoms of a sinus infection usually come on suddenly. COVID-19 symptoms may appear over time and be gradual. Most often, fever and fatigue appear first.

3. Rhinitis associated with a sinus infection are usually accompanied by more significant symptoms such as pain or a feeling of pressure in the face, bad breath, neck numbness. In turn, in the case of COVID-19, a runny nose is more often accompanied by fatigue, coughing and shortness of breath.

4. Sinusitis can also occur after exposure to allergens or irritantssuch as pollen, pet hair, and cigarette smoke. If you have an allergy or have recently been in the vicinity of an irritant, chances are high that this is the main cause of the unpleasant symptoms.

5. According to scientists from Cooper University Healthcare in Camden (USA) COVID-19 infection is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, chest pain, long-term loss of smell and taste. A sinus infection is unlikely to show such signs.

You can minimize the risk of coronavirus infection by wearing masks, e.g. Nexodis Hygenic medical masks or Adrianno Damianii biodegradable protective masks.

Similar treatments

Symptomatic differences are rather difficult to notice, especially if one is prone to sinus infections. Treatments for sinusitis and the milder course of coronavirus infection are also similar, mainly consisting of resting, drinking plenty of fluids, inhaling, applying a nose or forehead compress to relieve pressure, rinsing the nose with saline, and taking antipyretic and pain reliever medications.

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