Seasonal allergies affect millions of people across the United States every year. Around 8% percent of Americans, both adults and children, suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and around 50 million live with some form of allergy. During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, even those who deal with seasonal allergies every year may wonder if they are suffering due to the high pollen count or if their symptoms are those of COVID-19.
Of course, if you suspect you have COVID-19 or show any of the symptoms, please follow the official guidelines. Stay at home and self-isolate, keep in touch with your doctor, monitor your symptoms, and seek medical attention if you show any of the emergency warning signs.
What are typical seasonal allergy symptoms?
At first glance, many of the symptoms experienced by those with hay fever are very similar to COVID-19. For example, coughing, problems breathing, fatigue, a runny nose and in some cases loss of smell are common to both conditions. Consequently, it can be difficult to tell the difference and to know what precautions or treatments to take, but don't worry, there are some indicators that can may suggest one condition or the other. Seasonal allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- A runny or itchy nose
- A dry cough
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Throat clearing
- Tiredness and feeling run down
- In severe cases, allergies may cause a loss of smell
- People with asthma sometimes find allergies trigger their asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person, ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening. COVID-19 symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Fever or chills
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath and problems breathing
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Muscle and body aches
- Headaches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and COVID-19
Without taking a test for the virus, it may be difficult to definitively say whether symptoms are caused by allergies or infection with COVID-19, but there are some indicators that may help you tell the difference.
Despite the misleading use of the term "hay fever", seasonal allergies do not cause a fever, so experiencing a fever or chills would suggest that the symptoms are caused by COVID-19 rather than allergies. Muscle aches and pain and digestive issues may also suggest that coronavirus is the cause rather than a high pollen count.
Among the most common reactions to pollen and grass are sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. These symptoms are not caused by COVID-19 and suggest an allergy rather than infection. Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye", is a rare symptom of COVID-19, only appearing in around 1-2 percent of cases. If this is your only symptom, it is unlikely to be a sign you have COVID-19, but if you have other COVID-19 symptoms, consider contacting your doctor.
Typically, symptoms caused by allergies worsen when you are outside or more exposed to pollen and grasses. These tend to ease when steps are taken to avoid these triggers, for example by staying inside. However, symptoms caused by a viral infection, such as COVID-19, tend to get steadily worse, unlike the easing and worsen gin you usually get with allergies.
Furthermore, if symptoms ease after taking allergy medications, such as antihistamines, this may also suggest it is hay fever rather than COVID-19, but if you are in doubt, always consult with a medical professional.
Could it be both?
Unfortunately, yes. You may be particularly unlucky and have COVID-19 as well as seasonal allergies. Currently, there is not enough information to know whether people with allergies are more at risk from the virus, but if you also struggle with asthma, you should take particular care and consult with your doctor.
Many physicians and providers now offer virtual visits and telemedicine appointments, which are a great way to review your treatment plan and your allergy or asthma medications. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, your healthcare provider should be your first point of contact. You can also find information about testing on your state or local health department website.
How to treat seasonal allergies
The first step to treating seasonal allergies is avoiding or minimizing exposure to whatever is triggering the reaction, for example by staying indoors and keeping the windows closed. Other simple measures include changing clothes and wiping down pets when entering the home to keep pollen and other allergens out of the house. If you know you are prone to seasonal allergies, be sure to check the pollen count before going out.
Antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids often provide relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines used to treat seasonal allergies include:
If your allergies are particularly severe, you may require prescription medication rather than relying on over-the-counter options. For more information on managing your prescriptions and medication during the pandemic click here.
Staying safe at the pharmacy
When possible, avoid a trip to the pharmacy, particularly if you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or COVID-19. Many pharmacies now offer a mail order or free delivery service and a growing number of physicians offer telemedicine consultations.
If you need to visit the pharmacy, ensure you follow all current guidelines and ensure you consult with your healthcare provider before going out if you suspect you may have COVID-19. When you visit the pharmacy:
- Wear a face mask or cloth face covering
- Adhere to social distancing - stay 6ft away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home, and use a hand gel with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol while out of the house.
Remember, you can still use ModRN Health to save on prescriptions, even if you don't physically go to the pharmacy. Simply instruct the pharmacist to use your ModRN Health card or voucher details when you get in touch to fill your prescription.
When to seek medical attention or treatment
As the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, you should follow the guidelines and stay at home and self-isolate if you have any symptoms that could be caused by coronavirus. Keep in touch with your physician about your symptoms and ensure you know when to seek further medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeking medical attention if you develop any of the COVID-19 emergency warning signs.
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
If you show any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have any other severe or concerning symptoms, then seek emergency medical care immediately. Stay healthy and stay safe!
