Spring is around the corner, and warmer temperatures are on the way. Typically, this is the signal that cold and flu season is on its way out, and allergy season is on its way in. Unfortunately, the current coronavirus pandemic coincides with the start of the allergy season, which can make distinguishing between the two difficult. The signs of seasonal allergies are similar to those of COVID-19, so, understandably, a person may get a bit anxious every time they experience the beginnings of a cough, sneeze, or sniffle. Others may become concerned as well if they have someone next to them coughing and sneezing, but the reality of it is there’s going to be a lot of sneezing soon, and it’s not because of the coronavirus. It’s predicted that we will see above-average pollen levels this year, which will make it harder to differentiate. Fortunately, there are ways to tell the difference between allergies and coronavirus.
Due to the similarities and overlap of symptoms between allergies and coronavirus, a lot of unnecessary fear can occur. With spring officially starting soon, you must know the difference between the two.
What are the Symptoms?
• Coronavirus symptoms can include a fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, dry cough, body aches, runny nose, and a sore throat.
• Allergy symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, wheezing, headache, cough, sneezing, rashes, and itchy eyes.
Do I Have Allergies or the Coronavirus?
• If you are experiencing an itchy throat, nose, ears, and eyes, you are experiencing allergies. Itchiness is not a typical sign of coronavirus infection.
• If you are experiencing a sore throat, achiness, or fever, then you might have the flu or the coronavirus, and should be checked out by a physician.
I am Sneezing, is it a Symptom of Allergies or the Coronavirus?
• People infected with the coronavirus appear to sneeze infrequently, while allergy-induced sneezes can occur in rapid bouts where you can’t stop sneezing.
• If you are sneezing and also are experiencing body aches, a fever, and a sore throat, you may have the flu or the coronavirus and should reach out to your medical provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, dry cough, body aches, runny nose, and sore throat. These symptoms can help differentiate COVID-19 from other illnesses like allergies.
Seasonal allergies usually cause a runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, wheezing, headache, cough, sneezing, rashes, and itchy eyes or throat. Itchiness in the eyes, nose, ears, and throat is a clear indication of allergies and not coronavirus.
Yes, sneezing is more common and frequent in allergies, often occurring in rapid bouts. Coronavirus patients rarely sneeze. If sneezing is accompanied by fever, body aches, or sore throat, it might indicate flu or coronavirus instead of allergies.
A sore throat and body aches are more commonly associated with the flu or coronavirus rather than allergies. If experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to consult a physician for proper diagnosis and care.
Spring allergy season coincides with the coronavirus pandemic, and many symptoms overlap, such as cough and runny nose. Elevated pollen levels make it even harder to differentiate without knowing key symptom differences.
Yes, if you experience symptoms like fever, sore throat, or body aches, it is important to get checked by a physician to rule out coronavirus or flu. For itchy eyes and sneezing without fever, allergies are more likely, but consult a doctor if uncertain.