If you have allergies or asthma, spring can be a challenging time of the year. Millions of people who suffer from spring allergies often come down with sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and runny noses. But, could it also be COVID-19? Many of the symptoms often overlap and it can get very confusing. Since we had a warm winter, pollen levels may be heavier and longer lasting than expected.

Pollen is the grains or tiny seeds of flowering plants, trees, and grasses. These seeds can be carried on the wind and can cause various symptoms, or none at all, in individuals who are exposed to them.

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield understands the differences can be confusing and has created a guide on spring allergies versus COVID-19 to help you find relief!

What are the differences between COVID-19 symptoms and allergies?

Pollen exposure can result in “allergic conjunctivitis” in some individuals, causing red, watery, or itchy eyes. Some COVID-19 and spring allergy symptoms may overlap and this is where the confusion can happen, but there are many differences between COVID-19 symptoms and spring allergy symptoms. Some symptoms below may vary depending on the individual.

Spring allergies can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

Possible COVID-19 symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Symptoms may vary. Some people may not even experience any symptoms. 

Spring Allergy Tips 

Here are some tips you can do at home to reduce the severity of your allergies:

• If you’ve been outside, take a shower before you go to bed and change into fresh clothes so you don’t bring pollen onto your sheets that may have clung to your skin, hair or clothes.
• Limit outdoor activity to late afternoon: pollen counts are actually highest in the morning.
• It’s best to go outside after a good rain, as rain helps clear pollen from the air.
• Keep your car and house windows closed and instead opt for air conditioning at night to keep pollen out.

If you want to take extra precaution, here are some more tips to help you prevent triggers this allergy season. 

• Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

Asthmatics May Have It Bad This Spring Allergy Season! 

It’s not uncommon for asthmatics to have more flare ups than usual during the spring season. Since most of us are suffering from allergies already, it might be a good idea to stock up on inhalers, and to work with your doctor on reducing asthma triggers. If you need additional relief, you can come see us any day of the week! 

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield Is Ready to Help you!

With no appointment needed, you can visit AFC Urgent Care West Springfield any day of the week. Our providers are ready to help you find allergy relief and treat you for asthma flare ups. We can also help refill prescriptions for inhalers in case you need it!

If you need quick and convenient COVID-19 testing done, we also offer rapid molecular and rapid antigen tests for COVID on a walk-in basis. This way, you can rule that out, too!