Spring allergies are in full force this season!  Afterall, we did have a warm winter with sporadic weather changes 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 allergy and COVID-19 symptoms that you should be aware of:

• Spring allergy symptoms include itchy, red watery eyes, runny nose, rapid sneezing, clear mucus, and sometimes, if bad enough even asthma symptoms( shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness or chest pain)
• 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. 

The good news is that the “winter holiday” COVID-19 wave is waning. If you have an itch in your nose, chances are it’s spring allergies that will continue for the next couple of months.

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.  

Should I Test For COVID-19 If I Have Spring Allergy Symptoms?

Even with booster shots, we still need to take precautions as we’ve been through a number of COVID waves in the past 2 years. Ruling out COVID is essential. 

Also, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are asthmatic. Shortness of breath and allergy induced asthma can be a little confusing to differentiate. AFC Urgent Care West Hartford offers COVID-19 rapid antigen and rapid molecular testing. We also offer standard PCR testing by appointment.

If it’s just seasonal 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.