Achew!!

Spring allergies are in full force this season! We’ve had sporadic weather changes this winter and now pollen is blowing in the air. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics now have to worry about how to manage their symptoms while COVID-19 is still around.

AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is here to help you answer the question; ‘do I have spring allergies, or COVID-19?’. We’ll help break it down for you below.

COVID-19 and Spring allergies have some overlapping symptoms

Symptoms of spring allergies and COVID-19 symptoms do overlap and may cause people to second guess when someone coughs or sneezes around them.

Here are some of the basic differences between spring allergies, and COVID-19 that you should know:

• Spring allergy symptoms include itchy, red watery eyes, runny nose, rapid sneezing clear mucus, and sometimes even asthma symptoms.
• COVID-19 has similar symptoms, but the major symptoms to look out for that differentiates it from allergies are a shortness of breath, a dry cough,  fever and oftentimes loss of taste and smell.

How can I treat my spring allergy symptoms?

There are preventative steps you can take when it comes to spring allergies . Try out these tips to prevent allergies from taking over your life during the high pollen and mold season:

• Stay indoors on high pollen count days
• Try using your air conditioner when indoors rather than opening doors or windows
• Take frequent showers when coming in from outdoors to wash away potential allergen triggers
• While in the car, use the air conditioner to filter pollen rather than opening windows
• If you’re asthmatic, it is important to stock up on medication or see your primary care for an asthma action plan for spring allergies

Sometimes, however, you may need to turn to medications for allergy relief. Over the counter nasal sprays such as Nasonex or Zyrtec often work, especially if administered a few weeks prior to allergy season, or drugs such as Clariton, Allegra or Benadryl can often do the trick.

Do I have to test for COVID-19 if I have spring allergy symptoms?

It’s best to be safe than sorry, especially if you are asthmatic. Shortness of breath and allergy induced asthma can be a little confusing to differentiate. This is why it’s important to get tested  to rule out COVID-19. AFC Urgent Care West Hartford offers COVID-19 rapid testing and regular standard testing on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed.

And, if it’s just allergies and asthma, AFC Urgent Care in West Hartford can help treat you on the spot! You can Walk into AFC Urgent Care West Hartford at 1030 Boulevard where we will diagnose you, and get you back on track to enjoying your spring.