COVID-19 is still a dangerous infectious disease affecting many people across the country. Regardless of where you live, contracting the virus requires that you immediately quarantine yourself and treat your symptoms. However, seasonal allergies also have the same symptoms as COVID-19, and it often gets difficult to differentiate between the two.
There are still some major differences in how these two illnesses are treated and how you can analyze their symptoms. AFC Urgent Care Short Hills provides COVID-19 testing and allergy treatment to all patients. Visit our walk-in center today to get treated.
Differences Between COVID and Allergy Symptoms
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It is contagious, and you can easily spread it by coming in close contact with people. Some of the common ways it’s transmitted include talking to each other, eating together, and touching infected surfaces.
Allergies, on the other hand, are immune responses that are triggered because of exposure to allergens such as grass or tree pollen. The following are some differences between COVID and allergy symptoms:
| Symptom or sign | COVID-19 | Allergy |
| Cough | Usually (dry) | Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes | Never |
| Fever | Usually | Never |
| Itchy nose, eyes, | Never | Usually |
| Muscle aches | Usually | Never |
| Nausea or vomiting | Sometimes | Never |
| Pink eye (conjunctivitis) | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Usually | Usually |
| Sneezing | Rarely | Usually |
| Sore throat | Usually | Rarely |
| Tiredness | Usually | Sometimes |
| New loss of taste or smell | Usually (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose) | Sometimes |
A very crucial symptom that differentiates COVID from allergies is shortness of breath. Seasonal allergies do not have this symptom unless you suffer from asthma. There’s no known cure for COVID-19 as of yet, and the only way to treat it is through isolation and medication. Of course, if you haven’t gotten it yet, then vaccinations are an ideal way to avoid contracting the virus. On the other hand, you can treat seasonal allergies through nasal steroids and decongestants. Doctors also recommend that you avoid places where you might suffer from exposure to pollen.
How to Avoid COVID
Getting a COVID vaccination is the first step to preventing COVID. But as we all know, it is spread through the respiratory droplets of an infected person, so it is best to wear a mask all the time when around people. Trying to avoid overly crowded places and maintain a 6-feet distance when you’re meeting people is effective too.
You must also disinfect all high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, switches, electronics, and counters daily. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day is also important.
Preventing Allergy Symptoms
For seasonal allergies, it is best to avoid places that might trigger your allergies. For pollen, stay indoors as much as you can. Wear surgical masks to prevent coming in contact with pollen.
We hope this article was helpful for you in differentiating between COVID symptoms and seasonal allergy symptoms.
