As the fall season arrives, many people experience sneezing, congestion, and runny noses due to seasonal allergies. However, with COVID-19 still circulating, it’s natural to wonder: is a runny nose a sign of COVID, or is it just allergies? Because both conditions share overlapping symptoms, understanding the differences can help you respond appropriately and protect your health.
If you’re feeling under the weather, seeking medical care can help you get rid of your symptoms effectively and efficiently. At AFC Urgent Care Medford, our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week to provide patients with convenient illness care! Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
Is a Runny Nose a Sign of COVID?
Yes, a runny nose can be a symptom of COVID-19, though it is not the most common one. COVID typically presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. However, newer variants have caused milder symptoms that resemble the common cold or allergies, including nasal congestion and a runny nose.
While a runny nose alone may not confirm COVID, it should not be ignored, especially if it occurs alongside other symptoms like fever, sore throat, or fatigue. Testing remains the most reliable way to determine whether you have COVID or another condition.
How to Identify Symptoms of Fall Allergies
Fall allergies are usually triggered by environmental factors such as ragweed pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. Symptoms may worsen when you go outside, but then go away when you’re inside due to exposure to allergens outside.
Common symptoms of fall allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Scratchy throat
- Fatigue caused by congestion or poor sleep
COVID Symptoms
COVID-19 is a contagious viral infection, and symptoms of COVID can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The most commonly reported include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Body aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or a runny nose
While some overlap with allergies, the presence of fever, extreme fatigue, or loss of taste and smell strongly suggests a viral infection rather than allergies. COVID symptoms often appear suddenly, while allergies follow a more predictable seasonal pattern.
Difference Between COVID and Fall Allergies Symptoms
The main differences lie in the type and onset of symptoms:
- Itchy, watery eyes are almost always linked to allergies, not COVID.
- Fever, body aches, and loss of taste or smell are hallmark signs of COVID, not allergies.
- Allergies are ongoing, lasting weeks or months, while COVID symptoms usually appear within a few days of exposure and resolve in one to two weeks.
Visit AFC Medford for Same-Day Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment
A runny nose can signal either COVID or fall allergies, which makes it essential to evaluate additional symptoms and consider testing when in doubt. Knowing the key differences helps you manage your health more effectively during allergy and flu seasons. Visit AFC Urgent Care Medford if you’re feeling sick so that your symptoms can be properly diagnosed and treated. Our walk-in clinic is open every day from 8am to 8pm. We work with most medical insurance providers, and have affordable care for self-paying patients. To learn more, give us a call at (617) 582-2800.
