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Fall is a time when allergies tend to get worse for those that suffer from allergies to things like mold, ragweed, dust mites, and so much more. The cooler weather doesn’t mean seasonal allergies are going anywhere! This fall, there’s an added challenge because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying your symptoms as allergies or COVID-19 is a vital part of maintaining your own health, as well as the health of those around you. Let’s take a look at allergies and COVID-19 so that’s you know what differences to look for!
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms occur when allergens enter your body and irritate your system. This can cause sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or eyes. Some allergy sufferers will also suffer from ear congestion, headaches, and wheezing, although these symptoms aren’t as common for mild allergy cases. Allergies aren’t contagious which means that although the symptoms are annoying, they don’t pose a threat to the health of those around you.
COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can be hard to identify because they are similar to allergy symptoms. If you’re an allergy sufferer, it’s stressful to constantly worry if you’re just having an allergy flare up or if you’ve contracted COVID-19. COVID-19 symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the case, but common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congested or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
COVID-19 is spread when you’re in close contact with someone who has the virus, even if they’re asymptotic. The biggest difference between COVID-19 symptoms and allergy symptoms are fever, loss of taste or smell, and the gastrointestinal symptoms.
Getting Tested and Managing Your Allergies
If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should visit an urgent care center to get tested right away. If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing allergy or COVID-19 symptoms, an urgent care can help review your symptoms, perform a COVID-19 test, and form a treatment plan. Allergies can be easily managed once they’re diagnosed and if your symptoms are only caused by allergies, you won’t have to self-quarantine as you would with COVID-19.
For more information on COVID-19 testing and allergy treatment, contact your local urgent care center today! With extended hours of operation, walk-in care, and convenient locations, there’s no reason to continue suffering! Contact AFC Urgent Care Watertown today to get treatment for allergies and get Rapid COVID-19 Testing.
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