Sometimes your throat feels scratchy, and your eyes are watering. Your face suffers from the pressure, your nose is running, and your head feels completely stuffed up. You can be quick to conclude that you are having an allergic reaction or it's a very short-term illness. If you have these symptoms in the late summer or early fall, you might be dealing with fall allergies.
But how will you be able to distinguish between symptoms of a coronavirus and fall allergies during the COVID-19 pandemic? Both COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share certain symptoms. Understanding and controlling your seasonal allergies to fall pollens like ragweed, mold, or other allergens will help you get through this atypical fall allergy season.
In the modern world, a lot of people question if they have COVID-19 with every sniffle, cough, or tickling in the throat. This question becomes a little more complicated for the millions of allergy sufferers nationwide – allergies or COVID-19, or even a cold or the flu? The methods listed below can help you determine whether you have allergies, the flu, or a cold or if you need to call your doctor and get tested for COVID-19.
What Distinguishes COVID-19 From a Seasonal Cold?
Viral infections are the root of COVID-19 and the common cold.SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for COVID-19, whereas rhinoviruses are most frequently responsible for the common cold. These viruses all have similar modes of transmission and many of the same symptoms. There are a few variations, though.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 often appear 2 to 14 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection. But common cold symptoms typically manifest 1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. The common cold cannot be cured. Painkillers and over-the-counter cold medications, like decongestants, may be used as treatment. Contrary to COVID-19, a cold is typically not harmful. The average person gets over a cold in 3 to 10 days. However, some colds can persist for up to two or three weeks.
What Are The Causes?
Seasonal allergies aren't brought on by a virus like COVID-19. Seasonal allergies are immune system reactions brought on by allergen exposure, such as exposure to seasonal grass or tree pollens. Many of the symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are similar. There are also several differences.
Can I Have Both at Once?
Yes, an infection from a virus can coexist with allergies. Visit a healthcare provider if you experience COVID-19 symptoms like exhaustion and fever combined with normal allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose. Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing or your pain levels, if you need a second opinion, visit a nearby urgent care center for COVID-19 testing and allergy assessment.
AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction provides same-day care for a wide range of conditions. Our board-certified medical providers can diagnose your condition and plan treatment accordingly. Call or walk-in today!
