#Corona virus symptoms vs allergies how to#

'You may also consider starting a steroid nasal spray,' Dr. He adds that taking an antihistamine can help lessen some allergy symptoms, like itchy eyes, sneezing, a scratchy throat and a runny or stuffy nose.

'This helps wash away the pollen particles that have deposited in your nose.' 'The most important thing is to use a saline nasal rinse,' Dr. Ahmed's preferred first step might surprise you. If all signs point to allergies, it's time to start your treatment regimen.

#Corona virus symptoms vs allergies how to#

So allergy sufferers may notice their worst symptoms at that time.' How to get rid of allergies 'Additionally, pollen counts are typically highest in the mornings. 'If you're sneezing and reaching for the tissues more after being outdoors or on a high pollen day, it's a sign it could be allergies,' says Dr. Your symptoms are the worst after being outdoorsĪllergy symptoms can be bothersome 24/7, but the timing of when they're the worst can be a clue. This means that the lack of a fever could signal allergies.Ĭonversely, having a temperature of 100º F or higher is a clear sign it's not allergies. 'COVID-19 doesn't always cause fever, but it can. 'A fever can be a sign of infection, but not allergies,' says Dr. 'A sore throat, on the other hand, might be a sign of COVID-19, a cold or even the flu, depending on the season,' adds Dr. Typically, people with allergies report having an itchy, scratchy throat - but no actual pain. 'Itchiness seems to be a trademark of allergies, certainly more so than with an infection.' 'This immune response to the allergen can also cause itchiness in your throat,' says Dr. He adds that watery, swollen eyes aren't as common during an upper respiratory viral infection like COVID-19. 'This response includes the release of histamine, which contributes to the watery, swollen, red and even itchy eyes a person experiences with allergies.' 'Seasonal allergies are an immune response to an environmental trigger, usually some type of pollen,' says Dr. Take note of your symptoms and look out for the ones that signal it's likely seasonal allergies, including: 1. Given the potential for overlapping symptoms, there's some initial investigative work you'll need to do. Signs that can help you decide if you have seasonal allergies This means it can be tricky for you to determine which it might be. What makes matters worse is that certain seasonal allergy symptoms can overlap with ones you might expect from COVID-19, including fatigue, nasal congestion, headaches, a runny nose and even mild shortness of breath. (Related: 5 Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergy Symptoms) In the spring, this means tree pollen, which can start dropping as early as February and continue to wreak havoc for allergy sufferers through May. That's because plant pollens, not a virus, are what most often cause seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, can persist for months if not treated properly.' For mild cases, though, a person might not any need treatment beyond getting plenty of rest. 'People who are high risk for severe disease may need prescription medications. Omar Ahmed, an ENT doctor at Houston Methodist. 'COVID-19 affects everyone differently, but it's typically an acute illness that lasts anywhere from a few days to weeks,' says Dr. It's one big reason knowing which of the two conditions that you have matters.Īnother is that the two are managed fairly differently. One silver lining, though, is that, unlike COVID-19, allergies are not contagious. Seasonal allergies can certainly leave you feeling crummy - sometimes really crummy. Your first thought when your feel an itch or tickle at the back of your throat is likely: Is it COVID-19 or allergies?