COVID-19 and allergies have similar symptoms, including fatigue and runny nose. Sometimes, you may mix up the symptoms if you don’t know your allergens. Therefore, it is best to visit a care center near you for a COVID test. You may also be able to get an allergy test.
This article discusses how to differentiate between coronavirus symptoms and allergies. Kindly follow through.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Allergy Symptoms
The coronavirus is the causative organism for COVID-19. Symptoms of the coronavirus include cough, congestion, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fever. Usually, taking a test in an urgent care center can diagnose the coronavirus.
On the other hand, allergies are your immune system’s response to allergens. Exposure to allergens triggers the immune system. Some of the symptoms of allergies include runny nose, fatigue, itchy nose and eyes, and sometimes cough.
Because of some similar symptoms like fatigue and runny nose, it may be difficult for some patients to know if they have allergies or COVID-19.
How to Differentiate COVID Symptoms from Allergies
As much as COVID and allergies have similar symptoms, they also have signs that tell them apart. For instance, allergies are more long-lasting than COVID symptoms. In addition, if your symptoms respond to allergy medications, you don’t have COVID.
Furthermore, itchiness and fever differentiate between COVID and allergies. COVID symptoms do not include itching, while allergy symptoms do not include fever.
If you have asthma and allergies, you will most likely experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. In contrast, COVID does not cause wheezing.
What Should You Do If You Are Not Sure You Have Allergies or COVID?
Because it is possible to mix up COVID symptoms and allergies, it is essential to get COVID testing for confirmation. In addition, knowing your likely allergy triggers, especially in the spring or summertime, can help you differentiate between COVID and allergies.
How to Prevent Allergic Reactions
Knowing your allergens is the first step in preventing allergies. It is best to keep a diary to track your actions, what you eat, and your reactions. After knowing your allergens, avoid them and also take your prescribed medications.
How to Prevent COVID
Getting vaccinated and using a mask are effective preventive measures for coronavirus. It is also best to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face, especially after coughing.
Visit an Urgent Care Center
You can get tested for COVID at an urgent care center and get allergies treatment. Nevertheless, it is essential to know the difference between allergy symptoms and COVID symptoms.
Summarily, allergies are present with itching and wheezing, especially in asthmatic patients, while COVID-19 causes fever, and its symptoms do not last as long as allergies.
