As we move into spring, it means that allergy symptoms will begin to appear for many, but it is important to be able to differentiate between COVID-19 and allergies.
In April, the allergy season reaches its peak and, for those who show symptoms, they may fear that they have contracted COVID-19.
But health officials say there are some things that can help to separate the two.
“They both have many things in common. Both COVID-19 and typical environmental allergies can have a stuffy nose, runny nose, watery eyes and a sore throat,” said French Hospital Medical Center medical director James Malone.
Since the two share symptoms, many may start to worry, but according to Malone, there are some who can differentiate COVID.
“Probably the biggest difference between the two would be the fever, a temperature of over 100 degrees. Usually, with an allergy, people don’t have a fever, ”he said.
Other symptoms exclusive to COVID-19 and non-allergies include:
- Fever and chills
- Body pain
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
“More than what I see is that it is the patient’s employers who are concerned. You know, they arrive with a cough or a runny nose and it’s complicated because, again, yes, you don’t want to expose any other employee to a potential COVID case, but it’s also an allergy season, ”said nurse Tenet Health, Jessica Peckham.
Peckham says that if you know you are prone to allergies, there is a good chance that it is exactly that.
“So if you think you are allergic and you take your antihistamine and all your symptoms go away, then it’s probably allergies, but if you take that antihistamine and they don’t go away, then that’s an absolute indication that it’s more than just allergies, ”she said.
Health authorities advise those who may have doubts to consult their doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms similar to those of COVID.