Since the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much on your mind, it’s normal to feel a little anxious these days at the first sign of any trinkets. Is it COVID or just allergies ?! You wonder. But there are many reasons why you will not just feel the coronavirus disease a little under the weather.
If you’re going to be on a Google rabbit hole looking for the differences between all four, we’ve got it. While many of the symptoms of allergies, colds, flu and COVID-19 is similarly, some are rarer than others depending on the condition. Here’s all you need to know about the differences between COVID-19, allergies and other seasonal insects.
How do allergic symptoms compare to COVID-19 symptoms?
COVID-19 can have many potential symptoms, including cough, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, as well as possible loss of taste, smell and rash. Allergy symptoms usually include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy / watery eyes and sneezing. Congestion associated with allergies can cause headaches, and a drop to the nose can also cause a sore throat.
The most common COVID-19 symptoms overlap with allergy symptoms include headache, wheezing and sore throat. It is also possible to have nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing with COVID, although it is more common for allergies. If you have a dry cough, shortness of breath and odor loss, COVID-19 is more likely, but so are possible allergic side effects.
How can you tell the difference between allergies and COVID-19?
“Allergies are more common in spring, summer or autumn, although indoor allergies to things like mold or dust occur all year round,” says internal medicine and Women’s health advisor Keri Peterson, managing director. “So if you see your symptoms occurring at the same time every year, it’s probably allergies.”
Another great tip? Itch. It is common for an itchy nose and eyes with allergies but not viral infections like COVID-19.
Is it more likely to get allergies to COVID-19?
There is not yet enough scientific information to prove whether having seasonal allergies has a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or worse symptoms if you contract COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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What are the main differences between flu, colds, allergies and COVID-19?
People with allergies often have a history of seasonal allergies, says Dr. Peterson. And allergy symptoms tend to last longer than virus symptoms. Itching is usually a sign of allergies because it is not a symptom of viral diseases, she says. People with allergies also do not get fever, while people with COVID-19 often do.
When it comes to distinguishing between allergies and colds or flu, it is itchy in the eyes, ears and throats. Symptoms of colds or flu gradually appear while allergies suddenly start, says Dr. Peterson.
“Colds and flu can be accompanied by low-grade fever, swollen glands or body aches, which you never get with allergies,” she explains. “Also, colds usually last three to ten days, so if your symptoms last longer than that, they are more likely to be allergic.”
Runny nose, cough and sneezing are common symptoms of allergies and colds. With allergies, however, you can sneeze two or three times in a row, says Dr. Peterson. Furthermore, if you have thick and / or yellow or green colored mucus, it is a respiratory infection, but if it is thin and watery, it can be colds or allergies, says dr. Peterson.
“Usually, cold symptoms develop, starting with sneezing, sore throat and swollen glands, and then progressing to runny nose and congestion, then coughing,” she explains. “Mucus can also initially be watery with colds and then thicken and discolour.”
What are the best ways to prevent colds, flu and COVID-19?
Fortunately, most of the same precautionary measures can help you prevent all of these conditions, according to the CDC. This includes washing your hands and / or using disinfectant regularly, avoiding people who are already ill, touching your face and regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
While wearing a mask is considered more of a preventative COVID-19 method, it can certainly not hurt to keep other germs away either. In terms of flu prevention, your chances of getting infected every year to get your flu shot every year will also decrease.
How can you protect against allergies?
Unfortunately, you can develop allergies at any time in your life, which can make it even harder to figure out what you are dealing with. The good news is that allergy symptoms often respond to allergy medications, says Dr. Peterson, and to avoid your triggers, whether it means staying indoors with the pollen count, or cleaning your sheets and curtains more often to get rid of dust.
If you are still not sure what is causing your symptoms, go to your doctor, even if it is through a telehealth call. They can appeal to COVID-19 and how to treat any ailment.
The conclusion: Allergies tend to cause itching, while viral diseases do not, and viral diseases usually like low-grade fever, swollen glands or body aches, which you never get with allergies.
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