Distinguish Between COVID-19 Symptoms and Spring Allergy Symptoms

Coping with Allergy, Cold, Flu, or COVID-19 Symptoms

Distinguish Between COVID-19 Symptoms and Spring Allergy Symptoms

Spring is here, and so is the season for sniffles, coughs, and itchy eyes. But with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those familiar symptoms can suddenly feel more alarming.

So, what's causing your symptoms? Is it your seasonal allergies, a cold, the flu, or could it be COVID-19? Let's break it down!

Allergies vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19

Although symptoms for all these conditions might seem alike, there are some significant differences.

"Allergies may appear similar to the common cold or the flu, but with a cold or the flu, you'll have a fever and feel more exhausted," says Dr. L Rampur, an allergist at UW Medical Center - Montlake and Harborview Medical Center.

Seasonal allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, post-nasal drip, and itchy, puffy, watery eyes. Colds and flu might also bring these symptoms, along with body pain and fatigue.

The flu usually involves a fever, body aches, chills, and possibly a headache or cough. With COVID-19, common symptoms are a fever, sore throat, new cough or shortness of breath, though runny nose or nasal congestion can also occur. Some people also experience loss of smell or taste or gastrointestinal symptoms [1][2].

If you only have allergies or a cold, you likely won't get a fever or body aches — and if you do, they'll be mild. If you have the flu or COVID-19, you're unlikely to have sinus or eye symptoms [3].

Although seasonal allergies can trigger wheezing or coughing, especially in those with asthma, it's usually of minimal intensity [3].

Identifying Your Symptoms

If you suspect you have seasonal allergies, it's crucial to figure out the specific types causing your misery. While allergies from pollen generally aren't severe, they can significantly affect your quality of life [5].

Does your suffering start before the first flowers bloom? Or later in spring when grass is growing again?

"You don't need testing to know what you're allergic to," says Dr. D Ayers, another allergist at UW Medical Center. "You can see patterns in symptoms when pollen counts are high around that time."

Various types of pollen are abundant at different times. In late winter and early spring, common pollens include hazelnut, birch, alder, oak, cottonwood, ash, and juniper in the Seattle area, according to Rampur [6]. Mid- to late spring brings grass pollen, and weed pollen is most prevalent in late summer to fall.

Once you notice when your allergies trigger, you can develop a plan to manage them (which we'll discuss soon).

If your symptoms persist year-round or are severe, a trip to an allergist could be beneficial. You might be allergic to common allergens like dust mites or have nonallergic rhinitis, a condition causing nasal inflammation thought to be caused by hypersensitive nerves in the nose [5].

Allergy Symptoms: Don't Panic!

If you have seasonal allergies and not a cold, flu, or COVID-19, there are steps to ease your misery:

Use Over-the-Counter Medications

Preferably choose non-drowsy antihistamines. Take them as needed when symptoms flare up [7].

Try Nasal Spray

In addition to saline or decongestant spray, consider using a daily steroid nasal spray. For it to work effectively, regular use is required [7].

Limit Outdoor Time

Sunny days might be inviting, but they can worsen your symptoms. Reducing outdoor exposure can help control them [7].

Seek Allergy Shots

If over-the-counter medications, nasal spray, and staying indoors don't ease your symptoms, discuss allergy shots with your doctor. Allergy shots can help prevent your body from reacting to pollen exposure, treating the underlying issue rather than just the symptoms [7].

Keep in mind: allergy shots require multiple visits for several years and carry mild to serious risks like redness at the injection site, hives, and in rare cases, anaphylactic shock [7].

Stay updated on the latest information related to COVID-19 by visiting trusted sources such as Public Health Seattle King County or Washington State Department of Health. While our content aims to stay current, the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation may lead to changes since publication.

[1] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19): Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20476196[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (n.d.). Flu vs. allergies: Understanding the differences [PDF file]. https://www.aafa.org/media/Files/about-aafa/aafa-flu-vs-allergies-infographic.pdf[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/compare-covid-19-symptoms-to-common-respiratory-illnesses.html[4] NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). Common cold: The basics. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/common-cold-basics[5] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2013). Nonallergic Rhinitis. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/nonallergic-rhinitis[6] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (n.d.). Allergens in the Seattle area [PDF file]. https://www.aafa.org/media/Files/community-outreach/community-education/A-Seattles-Most-Common-Allergens-Seattle-Area-Handout.pdf[7] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2013). Allergies Overview. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/allergies

1. Science is essential for understanding the differences between allergy, cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms.
2. Workplace-wellness programs can help employees manage health conditions like allergies, colds, flu, and COVID-19.
3. Medical-conditions such as chronic diseases, cancer, and respiratory conditions can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
4. Digestive-health issues like irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux can also impact the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections.
5. Eye-health is crucial for identifying symptoms, with conditions like conjunctivitis or dry eyes often accompanying allergies, colds, or flu.
6. Hearing tests can help distinguish between symptoms of an ear infection and those of allergies or a cold.
7. Health-and-wellness initiatives should prioritize addressing health-related concerns, such as allergies and other medical conditions.
8. Fitness-and-exercise can boost the immune system, helping to prevent or alleviate symptoms of colds, flu, and allergies.
9. Sexual-health education is crucial for maintaining overall health, as certain conditions can impact the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
10. Autoimmune-disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu, further complicating diagnosis.
11. Climate-change can exacerbate allergy symptoms, with shifting pollen seasons and increased air pollution contributing to respiratory problems.
12. Mental-health is integral to physical health, as anxiety, depression, or stress can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
13. Men's-health initiatives should focus on addressing unique health concerns, such as prostate health and allergies.
14. Skin-care products and practices can help manage symptoms associated with skin conditions triggered by allergies or cold weather.
15. Therapies-and-treatments for allergies, colds, flu, and COVID-19 should be evidence-based and tailored to individual needs.
16. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and supporting the immune system, particularly by consuming foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D.
17. Aging brings an increased likelihood of developing chronic diseases, allergies, and other health problems that can affect quality of life.
18. Women's-health initiatives should focus on addressing unique health concerns, such as hormonal imbalances and allergies, and reproductive health issues.
19. Parenting involves promoting healthy behaviors, such as washing hands frequently, to prevent the spread of colds, flu, and allergies.
20. Weight-management is essential for maintaining overall health, as obesity can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
21. Cardiovascular-health is crucial for supporting the body's response to infections, as heart disease can impair the immune system's function.
22. Industry collaboration and innovation are necessary for developing new diagnostic tests, treatments, and preventative measures for allergies, colds, flu, and COVID-19.
23. Medicare policies should prioritize access to affordable treatments and therapies for managing chronic diseases, allergies, and other health conditions.
24. CBD products are being explored as potential treatments for allergies, anxiety, and chronic pain.
25. Neurological-disorders such as multiple sclerosis, migraines, or Parkinson's disease can cause symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu.
26. Environmental-science research is crucial for understanding the impact of pollution, climate change, and other factors on allergies, respiratory conditions, and overall health.
27. Financial planning plays a role in health and wellness, as managing personal finance can reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
28. Skin-conditions like eczema or psoriasis can be exacerbated by allergies, stress, or environmental factors, requiring specialized treatments and self-care practices.

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