COVID-19 and allergies can sometimes have similar symptoms, such as dry cough, sore throat, headache and difficulty breathing. An expert in infectious diseases in DC has tips to avoid confusion.
COVID-19 and allergies can sometimes have similar symptoms, such as dry cough, sore throat, headache and difficulty breathing. An expert in infectious diseases in DC has tips to avoid confusion.
“Most people who have allergies know what their allergy symptoms are. The thing I would recommend is to look for something that is beyond the symptoms,” said Dr. Maria Elena Ruiz, an infectious disease specialist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, said.
Fever “With allergy attacks, you would not expect fever,” Ruiz said.
Headache “People with COVID-19 get headaches, and usually the headache is pretty severe and it’s related to fever,” Ruiz said. Uncomfortable headaches associated with allergy attacks and congestion are usually behind the eyes and sinuses.
Fatigue – Fatigue can be accompanied by allergy attacks, but due to the virus, it can be severe. “People with COVID will have a profound fatigue if they can not get out of bed,” Ruiz said.
Itch – Allergies can cause itching in your ears, throat and eyes. Itching is not a symptom of a viral disease. ‘In COVID-19 eye irritation and tearing eyes may occur, but this is quite unusual. I would consider it more consistent with allergies, ”Ruiz said.
Medicine – People who usually succumb to seasonal allergies should be careful to avoid allergies and take their medication.
“In fact, take their medication instead of waiting for the allergies to set in so they can avoid the confusion and stress of sorting it out,” Ruiz said. ‘Take the medicine. This is something I do precisely because I do not want to come to the hospital and cough and sneeze and make people nervous. ”
Finally, Ruiz warns that COVID-19 continues to spread and infect humans; you must continue to take precautions. Remember that the vaccine only takes effect two weeks after the second dose if it is a two-stroke vaccine.
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