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A woman in a plaid shirt is sneezing into a tissue outdoors in a green, leafy setting, possibly on her way to a walk-in clinic.

Spring Allergies or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference

Throughout the U.S., plants, flowers and trees have begun to bloom and cause the typical symptoms in those with allergies.  But as our country has seen an increase in the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), these symptoms may have you wondering about your health.  With so much discussion about the virus and its symptoms, it’s completely understandable that you might start worrying if you’ve picked it up.

But don’t panic!  It’s also the time of year when both the common cold and seasonal allergies are widespread.  Even the flu is still present in most areas. So, your symptoms could have many possible explanations and nothing at all to do with the outbreak.

Allergies typically cause nasal symptoms such as a runny nose and sinus congestion, but do not usually result in a fever, as is found with COVID-19 or the flu.  You might be experiencing one or more symptoms such as a coughing, sneezing, watery eyes or even some trouble breathing.  What does it all mean?

While some symptoms of the coronavirus overlap with allergies or the common cold, there are several differences. Here’s a look at what your symptoms may mean:

COVID-19 symptoms

  • Fever / body aches
  • Dry Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Very sore throat
  • Rapid onset fatigue

Allergy symptoms

  • No fever / body aches
  • Nasal congestion / runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Itchy or watery eyes

Cold symptoms

  • Mild fatigue or weakness
  • Mild cough and/or sore throat
  • Nasal congestion

Flu symptoms

  • Fever / body aches
  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Chest discomfort / cough
  • Headache

At AFC, we are open and ready to treat whatever symptoms you are experiencing. We’re following all proper procedures as recommended by the CDC to protect you from exposure to the coronavirus infection.  Don’t let your cold or allergy symptoms get you down.  Contact your local AFC today and we’ll help put some pep back in your step this spring!

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AFC CORPORATE OFFICE

3700 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242

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Our mission is to provide the best healthcare possible in a kind and caring environment, in an economical manner, while respecting the rights of all of our patients, at times and locations convenient to the patient.

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