COVID-19 has scared all of us into looking at everyone with a sneeze or a cough as a potential health hazard. As the weather gets warmer and pollens begin to fly in the air, people with allergies and asthma are having a tough time.

Many of them are dealing with allergy-specific symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. They are also turning heads and inviting stern glares from others, as most of these symptoms are also associated with COVID-19.

How COVID-19 Differs From Allergic Issues

There are ways of knowing the difference between typical allergy symptoms and COVID-19. Apart from the ones mentioned above, COVID-19 symptoms may also include dry cough, body aches, chills, fever, weakness, and loss of taste and smell. The symptoms of the newer strain of COVID-19, the Delta variant which is more contagious and easily transmitted are fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. Keep these things in mind when you start experiencing some of these symptoms.

When Should You Be Cautious?

A major difference between COVID-19 and allergies is the presence of fever. If the fever is persistent and the temperature is rising, you should be cautious. Seasonal allergies do not cause fever. They mostly leave you with itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and sneezing.

Some Other Differentiating Factors Between COVID-19 And Allergy

In COVID-19, you generally have a dry cough and muscle aches. You may also feel tired and worn out for no reason. If you have diarrhea, be cautious because diarrhea is never associated with allergy. The same holds if you have nausea and vomiting. COVID-19 symptoms appear after a few days after exposure to the coronavirus. It may take two to 14 days, in most cases. Symptoms of common cold appear within one to three days of exposure to the cold-causing virus. Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies are not caused by any virus. These are responses triggered by the immune system to various types of allergens. Here's how you can find out if your symptoms are related to COVID-19 or some seasonal allergies. Allergic conditions never show symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. You may suffer from cough, itchiness in the nose, eyes, and inner ears. Sneezing and sore throat may also be present in most people with an allergic condition. If it is COVID-19, you may have shortness of breath or experience difficulty in breathing. Seasonal allergies do not cause these symptoms unless you have asthma.

Blow Away the Confusion

If you still have some confusion, let's clear that away:

• Check if you suffered from the same symptoms in the past years too and around the same time. Often, people with allergies have a history of such situations.
• If it's an allergy, the symptoms will last longer than viral symptoms
• Allergy symptoms taper down when you have anti-allergic medications
• Allergies and itchiness go hand in hand. Itchiness is not a part of any viral infection.
• Allergies do not cause a fever. Infections such as COVID-19 do.
• Patients with allergies with asthma may experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. There have been no reports of COVID-19 causing any wheezing.

Conclusion:

With the new strain of COVID-19, the Delta variant threatening to spread across the United States and the world, and having its own set of symptoms, there is bound to be more confusion among people. More COVID-19 variants are likely to emerge according to the World Health Organization. Make sure you keep yourself updated with the information about the new variants and their symptoms so that there is less confusion and panic when you are affected by the flu or allergy. If you find yourself with seasonal allergies and would like to get tested or find out more information on treatment, reach out to one of our locations here, Our professionals are allergy experts. If you think your symptom are COVID-19 related and would like to receive a test, don't delay and book an appointment with our testing partner here and receive a free test with quick results

Author Dr. Geoffrey B. Trenkle, D.O. LACENTA C.E.O.