COVID Symptoms Vs Allergies

Not so long ago, most of us had never heard the word “Coronavirus” but now it’s a part of our everyday lives. As we approach allergy season, it’s important to be aware of how you are feeling and carefully analyze your symptoms while we learn to live through this pandemic.

Any symptoms that sound like COVID-19 should be taken seriously and warrant a doctor’s visit to get a COVID test. To find out how to distinguish between allergy symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms, read on.

What’s the Difference Between COVID-19 & Seasonal Allergies?

COVID-19 is a virus that causes respiratory infection. It is contagious and spread to other people through droplets from an infected person, close contact, or shared surfaces. The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe.

On the severe end, patients can end up in the hospital with pneumonia or on a respirator that assists them with breathing. In comparison, allergies trigger an immune response in a person who is allergic to certain things in the air, such as pollen.

While COVID-19 and seasonal allergies may present themselves with similar symptoms, certain respiratory symptoms that are somewhat common in Coronavirus are quite rare as allergy symptoms. When you have allergies, you do not need to worry about isolating yourself because they are not contagious. Allergies cause an immune response to something in the environment but are not a virus you can pass from person to person.

The Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary a lot depending on the severity of the infection and the age and health of the infected person. However, some of the most common symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and a loss of taste or smell. However, a person may also experience muscle aches, fatigue, and a runny or stuffy nose. People who are infected by COVID-19 generally do not experience sneezing as a symptom.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms typically present as sneezing, watery eyes, runny, itchy, or stuffy nose, and a scratchy throat. Allergy sufferers may also feel tired, have a cough, or lose their sense of taste or smell. However, it is unusual to experience fever, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then there is likely something else going on.

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What Should I Do if I Am Unsure if I Have COVID-19?

If you are experiencing a significant amount of symptoms that line up with COVID-19 and you are unsure if you have been infected with it, the best course of action would be to get tested. Even if you suspect that it is just a common cold or seasonal allergies, it’s best to know for sure before you continue to wander out into the community.

It can take up to 14 days from the time of infection to display any symptoms so there is a chance that you have already been walking around in the community while infected. This is why we advise you to take a COVID-19 test as soon as possible and isolate yourself until you get your results.

Seasonal Allergy Management at Premier Allergy & Asthma

If you’ve taken a COVID-19 test and it has come back negative, then you can take comfort in knowing that you are likely just experiencing seasonal allergies. At Premier Allergy & Asthma, we diagnose and manage allergies in patients who experience hayfever and other seasonal allergies with treatment options such as allergy immunotherapy. To schedule an appointment, contact us or book online today.

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