Seasonal allergies tend to be at their worst during the spring and summer months. Many symptoms that arise from seasonal allergies overlap with other ailments including colds, flu, and respiratory illnesses. Because of this overlap, people can often get confused about what they actually have. This is especially true when someone has multiple health issues at the same time. The best way to get things sorted out is with testing from a medical provider. A quick trip to an urgent care facility can help you know exactly what you have, which can help you pick the right treatment plan to heal. In this blog, we’ll discuss whether a fever can be present with seasonal allergies and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day fever treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week to provide the best care to all patients in the Grand Junction, CO area. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Why Don’t Allergies Cause Fevers?
Allergies are markedly different from bacterial infections and viruses. When a person experiences a fever it is usually because that is their body’s attempt to increase internal temperatures to kill bacteria and destroy viruses. Many symptoms of a cold or flu are actually ways that the body tries to fight the infection. While fever is often due to an infection, it’s not a typical symptom of allergies. The body’s immune response to allergens does not prompt the body’s temperature to rise. Instead of using antibodies or getting a fever, the normal response to allergies is sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and other methods to flush the allergens out. Therefore, while seasonal allergies can cause significant discomfort, they do not directly cause a fever.
What Symptoms Are Specific To Allergies?
As mentioned above, there is a lot of overlap between allergies and bacterial infections. But there are also key differences. With a virus or bacteria, the immune system responds by destroying them. With allergens, the body has to flush them out. Allergic reactions can include itching, sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and fatigue. The mucus created to get rid of allergens tends to be watery and clear, whereas mucus that is the result of an infection is usually thicker and darker in color.
The most common symptoms associated with allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy, sore throat
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
- Fatigue
Do Allergies Cause Infections?
Allergies do not directly cause infections. Allergens are not capable of causing a viral or bacterial infection. However, allergies can increase the risk of getting sick in a few ways. Most notably, allergies might make a person touch their face more. Coughing into your hands, rubbing your eyes, or touching your nose can all increase the risk of bacteria or viruses. If you do not regularly wash your hands you might inadvertently transfer bacteria from the surface of your hand to your eyes, nose, or mouth. In that way, allergies can indirectly lead to a risk of contracting an infection.
If you have a fever alongside allergy symptoms, consider the following signs that may indicate an infection:
- High fever
- Body aches and chills
- Thick, yellow, or green nasal discharge
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
Get Walk-In Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction
While seasonal allergies can cause a range of symptoms, they do not typically cause a fever. Understanding the differences between allergy symptoms and signs of infection can help you take the necessary steps to manage your health. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction provides medical treatments for allergies, colds, and other illnesses. If you are experiencing symptoms related to allergies or illness, come visit the walk-in clinic today! We are available seven days a week to evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible. Our center accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, contact us at (970) 609-2001.
