As the warmth and colors of spring begin to emerge, so do familiar seasonal afflictions —sneezing, watery eyes, and runny noses. These can be particularly bothersome if you are one of the many who enjoy cycling through the many ridges and valleys in the Knoxville area and prefer to keep both hands firmly on your handlebars rather than constantly fishing in your pack for yet another tissue. Sometimes, confusion arises as people struggle to distinguish between allergies and other illnesses such as the symptoms of the ongoing pandemic and COVID-19. Understanding the nuances between allergies and COVID-19 is important in safeguarding both individual health and collective well-being.
If you suspect you have allergies or COVID-19, visit AFC Urgent Care Fountain City today for prompt, compassionate care.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies cause inflamed sinuses due to an overactive immune response triggered by external elements. Inflamed sinuses as the result of an allergic reaction are called allergic sinusitis. As part of the body’s defensive response, histamines flood the bloodstream to expel the invading allergens. Symptoms fluctuate across seasons as various plants release pollen into the air. Tree pollen dominates in early spring, grass pollen follows in late spring and early summer, while ragweed pollen prevails in fall. Warm, moist weather fosters mold and fungi spores. Sensitivity to different allergens varies; one may be immune to oak tree pollen but highly reactive to ragweed pollen. Pet dander, cockroach droppings, and dust mites persist year-round, potentially exacerbating symptoms in tightly sealed homes during chilly weather.
Typical Allergy Symptoms:
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Watery & Itchy eyes
- A general unwell feeling
- Itchy nose, throat, roof of mouth
- Runny nose & congestion
- Fatigue due to poor sleep
COVID-19
Where allergies are the result of an internal immune system response to an external trigger, COVID stems from a specific type of virus, a form of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Allergies are not a sign of an impaired immune system, but of a highly active one and there is no evidence that those with allergies are any more susceptible to COVID-19 infection than those without allergies.
Coronaviruses are part of a large family of viruses that affect the respiratory system and are responsible for diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Viral infections like COVID tend to escalate steadily, whereas allergy symptoms tend to come and go. A COVID-19 infection can vary from feeling like a minor cold or become more acute and risky. COVID affects people differently, lasting from just days to multiple weeks in others. COVID symptoms can intersect with those of allergies.
Typical Covid Symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list is not an exhaustive one, and as new variants surface and vaccination status fluctuates, these symptoms can change.
Distinguishing between allergies and COVID-19 requires diagnostic testing. Absent such tests, certain cues aid differentiation:
- COVID-19 typically induces fever, a rarity in allergies.
- Sneezing and itchiness in the eyes, nose, and throat, hallmark allergy symptoms, are seldom linked to COVID-19.
- Loss of smell and taste, prevalent in COVID-19 cases, is absent in allergies.
Emergency indicators of COVID-19 include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Mental confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Navigating the allergy season against the backdrop of a persistent viral threat such as COVID-19 requires awareness of one’s health and surroundings. While allergies may bring discomfort, they are typically manageable with over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Remaining vigilant and embracing preventative measures such as vaccinations and good hygiene can help us adapt to the COVID-19 era as we seek to mitigate the risks associated with such viral infections.
