It is difficult to distinguish between Omicron strain and pollinosis due to similar symptoms.

With the convergence of the new corona uncertain, the season for pollinosis will begin in earnest.

Experts say that there are similarities between the symptoms of the Omicron strain and the symptoms of hay fever, and it is necessary to treat the hay fever early and prevent the sneezing from flying.

According to the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, which is made by otolaryngologists, the symptoms of infection with the new Corona Omicron strain are reported to be 73% for runny nose and 60% for sneezing. He points out that it is difficult to distinguish because they are similar.

Professor Kimihiro Okubo of Nippon Medical School graduate school said, "Last year, the Delta strain that spread the infection was characterized by fever and strong dullness, but the Omicron strain is not necessarily so, so although it is infected," I am pollinosis. " It may be misunderstood. "

He added that it is difficult to distinguish the difference in symptoms by himself. "The sore throat of hay fever is often caused by a runny nose or a stuffy nose. If you have a runny nose or persistent pain, you may suspect an infection with the Omicron strain, and I think people with hay fever generally know when and how many symptoms they will have each year. So please be careful if you have any unusual symptoms. "

In addition, as a countermeasure, "People with hay fever are more likely to be infected with corona by scratching their eyes or blowing their nose with their hands with the virus. If they have both corona and hay fever symptoms, they are infected. There is a risk that you will squeeze and disperse the virus without noticing it. Therefore, disinfect your hands diligently, use glasses and goggles, and when squeezing to prevent flying, use the top of the mask. I would like you to take measures just in case, such as suppressing it with a handkerchief. Pollinosis requires caution until around the consecutive holidays in May, but it is necessary to treat it early and use medicine well to suppress the symptoms, but the infection of the Omicron strain It will be an effective method if it does not converge. "

Pollen forecast for Tokyo 1.5 times last year

According to the forecast compiled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the amount of pollen scattered in Tokyo this spring is 1.5 times that of last year and 1.1 times that of the average year, and it has begun to fly from mid-February.

According to the Japan Weather Association, the peak of Japanese cedar pollen in Tokyo is expected to be from early to late March.

When I talked to people in the city about the full-scale pollen season, a woman in her 40s said, "I already have symptoms of hay fever. I have not been infected with corona, but I have symptoms with the Omicron strain. To be honest, it's hard to tell, "said another woman in her 40s, saying," If you're wondering if it's corona or hay fever, I don't know at my own discretion, so I'd like to contact my hospital. "

In addition, a male student in his twenties said, "Every year, pollinosis is so severe that I carry a tissue in a box, but since this is a corona sneeze, I can't sneeze badly, which is a problem."