What's the Difference Between Allergies vs. COVID-19?

Now that warmer weather is here, it may be more difficult to differentiate between seasonal allergies and COVID-19. Fortunately, we have identified several key symptoms that can help you tell the difference!

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, sometimes called "hay fever", are symptoms that happen during certain times of the year, usually when outdoor molds release their spores, and trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Symptoms of allergies or the common cold include runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and itchy eyes. Allergy symptoms tend to vary with the environment, worsening with exposure to dust, pollen, or animal dander.

Allergies commonly occur between spring and fall, depending on weather and the geographic location. Many who suffer from seasonal allergies have an overlap of allergies and experience symptoms throughout the season. Spring allergies often begin in February with tree pollination, followed by grass pollination in the spring and summer and, finally, weed pollination, especially of ragweed, in the late summer to early fall.

Differences Between Allergies and COVID-19

One key difference between allergies, the cold or flu, and coronavirus is the symptom shortness of breath or fever. Symptoms of nasal blockage, mucus production or sneezing are reported in 5% or less of COVID-19 patients from around the world. If you have a history of allergies and are experiencing those symptoms, then you are more than likely experiencing a flare of your allergy symptoms.

The more common and sometimes severe symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Additional symptoms include chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, and loss of appetite. Less commonly, people may have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, congestion, or a runny nose. Some people report a loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

How Can I Be Certain I Have Allergies?

With budding trees and warmer weather, pollen counts will increase. The best way to diagnose allergies is by using skin testing at an allergist’s office. If you found taking medications such as over-the-counter antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays helpful in prior years, then it would be reassuring that if your symptoms improve with these medications, your symptoms may be due to seasonal allergies.

People with spring allergies are not immune to coronavirus however. If you typically have allergy symptoms, pay close attention to their type and severity. Do you feel differently than in prior allergy seasons? Do you have a fever, body aches, or a loss of taste and smell? Have you noticed that your allergy medicines are not helping reduce or relieve your symptoms? It is important to stay mindful about what your body is telling you.

Talk to a medical professional if you have any questions.

Home Remedies to Relieve Allergies

In addition to using an antihistamine to reduce seasonal allergies, you might consider a few home remedies. While there is some evidence that home remedies for allergies can be effective, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor. After discussing your symptoms with your doctor, get a full diagnosis and listen to your doctor’s suggestions on what’s best for you.

• Different allergens can trigger an allergic reaction in your eyes, causing itchiness, puffiness, and tearing. These allergens include: pollen from grass, trees or ragweed, dust, and/or pet dander. To help reduce puffiness, try using a gel eye mask! Using cold therapy can reduce inflammation whereas heat therapy can help ease headaches and sinuses
• Alleviate allergy symptoms with sinus rinsing. Running homemade saltwater, or a saline solution through your nasal passages, can physically flush out allergies and thick or dried-up mucus. Clearing the sinuses will make it easier to breathe through the nose
• Try using a steam mist inhaler! Through steam inhalers, humidity penetrates deep into the nasal passages and loosens mucus. Pollen grains and other allergens can linger in your nasal passageways long after you come indoors.
• Breathing in the scent of essential oils can also help improve blocked nasal passages and reduce congestion! We recommend some of our more popular scents such as lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil. These essential oils are 100% pure and paraben free, made from all natural ingredients.

If you experience any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above and think you have been exposed, it is recommended to self-quarantine for at least two weeks to prevent further spread of the disease. Please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for more information.

References

1. CDC. (May 2020). Symptoms of Coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2B6H678
2. Curley, Bob. (2020). Different Symptoms for Coronavirus, Flu, and Allergies. Healthline. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2ZBH8gH
3. Davis, Charles. (2020). COVID-19 vs Allergies: Symptom Chart. Medicine Net. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2OvqFoa
4. Roberts, Hannah. (2020). When is Allergy Season? Symptoms and Treatment for Seasonal Allergies. Insider. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2Wuc8gO

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.