Since the beginning of the new coronavirus outbreak, causing the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, everybody has had their concerns. Everyone is terrified of developing any symptoms similar to those of COVID-19; alarming thoughts chase those who catch the flu or suffer from allergic rhinitis or bronchitis for fear of having caught COVID-19. It is worth mentioning that a negative psychological state could lower the immune response of the body, making it more vulnerable to diseases, including COVID-19.
Therefore, it is better to know well the symptoms of COVID-19 and similar diseases, particularly seasonal allergies—the most notorious of which is Spring allergy—so that we can differentiate between them.
COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms are: fever, general fatigue, strong pain in bones and muscles, dry cough, inflamation of the throat, headache, and loss of senses such as taste and smell. Sometimes, symptoms could include runny nose, digestive disorders such as diarrhea and vomiting, skin rash, and in server cases, shortage of breath. COVID-19 symptoms, particularly in the early stages, are similar to those of seasonal allergies, especially in Spring; consequently, people cannot differentiate between the two.
Symptoms of Allergy
Some people develop allergies due to inflamation resulting from the body's over-reaction to allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, among others. The most famous symptoms of allergy include: runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy eyes and nose—aka congestion. Patients of severe allergy could also suffer shortage of breath, especially if they are asthmatic; this allergy is known as hay fever, even though the patient is not actually feverish.
Therefore, fever is one distinctive symptom between the infection of the notorious coronavirus and Spring allergy. Additionally, allergies have fixed annual recurrents; as Spring starts, pollen and dust increase, and so do the chances to develop allergies rather than catching COVID-19. As such, allergy patients ought to monitor their symptoms and compare them to previous recurrents; if there are vivid differences, they should immediately seek medical advice.
Sneezing in not among the new coronavirus symptoms; however, one should, of course, cover their nose and mouth to protect nearby people from the droplets. Yet, can someone suffering from seasonal allergy catch COVID-19 at the same time? Yes, this can happen, causing all the previously mentioned symptoms to coexist, which requires the patient to seek medical help immediately.
Whether the symptoms refer to COVID-19 or seasonal allergy, everyone must confine to social distancing rules, continuously wash their hands with water and soap, and avoid touching their face to avoid viral infections.
References
cdc.gov
familyallergy.com
webmd.com