Are you sneezing and wheezing more often lately? Is it another wave of COVID-19 or could it be spring allergies?!
Spring allergy season often comes with sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. But, how does one tell the difference between spring allergies, and COVID-19? There are many overlapping symptoms!
AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here to help answer “is it COVID-19 or Spring Allergies?”
What’s the difference between COVID-19 symptoms, and spring allergy symptoms?
Before you start jumping when someone coughs or sneezes, we first need to rule out allergies. Let’s break down each illness:
COVID-19: The most common symptoms of the COVID-19 are fever, a dry cough, an obvious shortness of breath, and a new loss of taste and smell. Of course there can be other symptoms but these are the most common. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Allergies: Symptoms include itchy, red watery eyes, runny nose, rapid sneezing, clear mucus, and sometimes can trigger asthma symptoms- shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, wheezing upon exhaling.
*Symptoms and risks vary from person to person.
COVID-19 Can Really Knock You Off Your Feet
Allergies may make you feel tired, but they're not going to cause severe muscle or joint aches like COVID-19. Unlike allergies that affect the eye and the nose, COVID-19 affects the whole body. It is highly contagious, as we know, but a nasty case of either of the two may get worse before getting better.
Allergy symptoms on the other hand are regularly occurring, and usually mild. But, they are treatable! This is a huge difference.
Should I get tested for COVID-19 if I have a runny nose?
If you think you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, we suggest you get tested anyway to rule out COVID. Connecticut has done a good job so far with increased COVID-19 testing options.
If you need quick and easy testing, AFC Urgent Care Torrington offers RAPID antigen and molecular testing and standard PCR testing on a walk-in basis.
Can I Treat Spring Allergies At-Home?
If you’re having spring allergies there are plenty of ways to alleviate and manage symptoms at home. These can include:
- Limiting pollen exposure to limit spring allergies
- Taking medicine early to relieve spring allergies
- Rinsing your nasal passages regularly
- Spring cleaning for your spring allergies
- Natural remedies for spring allergies like vitamin C
- Showering immediately for allergy relief
- If you’re asthmatic, making sure you are up to date on your medication to prevent asthma attacks
AFC Urgent Care Torrington Can Help Treat Spring Allergies
When it comes to COVID-19 and Spring allergies, AFC Urgent Care Torrington is your #1 local urgent care center. We provide accurate timely health information on our blog and on our website. Our staff is equipped to handle and treat spring allergies and test you for COVID-19 on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed. We’re here for you 7 days a week, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and also 8am-5pm on the weekends and are located at 1171 East Main street across from Webster Bank.
