The pandemic is not over yet, so monitoring yourself for symptoms is not far behind. However, between Covid-19 and seasonal allergies, you may have wondered: Is it Covid or the allergy of the moment?
Covid-19 usually contains symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, fatigue, body aches, headaches and loss of taste or smell, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You may also experience sore throats, runny noses, vomiting or diarrhea - however according to the CDC this is not a comprehensive list. So, it is not suggested to do a Covid test if you only have any of these "second" symptoms.
If you think you have been exposed to Covid or have some symptoms, it is advisable to get tested.
However, during this period it is no wonder that you also have allergies. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a substance (food, dust, mold) and creates antibodies to attack it - even if the substance is not harmful. There are many different allergic reactions, but you are probably wondering about the ones that most closely resemble a respiratory infection.
In these cases, symptoms may include "sneezing and itching, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, swollen lips, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea, dry, red skin and cracked, etc. ", says the specialist in allergy, asthma and immunology, Schuman Tam.
Moreover, allergies can be worse than usual this year, according to Tania Elliott, allergist and immunologist.
"Every year, allergy seasons are getting longer and more intense due to climate change, so autumn allergies this year can be more severe. If you wear a mask, the symptoms may not be so severe. "I'm," she says.
However, she adds that "internal allergies in your home" still remain a factor.
Sanjeev Jain, allergist, gives some tips to make the difference between coronavirus and seasonal allergies.
If most of your symptoms involve sneezing, it is more likely to be an allergic reaction because sneezing is not a common symptom of Covid-19.
Allergies generally do not cause fever or loss of taste and smell. So if you have any of these, it is the most serious sign for coronavirus.
If you are experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time in your life, it is worth taking a Covid test for your safety.
After all, these are guidelines, but they are not rules:
"The only way to be completely sure that your symptoms are due to allergies and not the virus, is to get tested for Covid," he concludes.
Source: Well & Good
