People with allergies have to constantly deal with a runny nose, cough, and itchiness. However, with the risk of COVID-19 today, people with allergies are wondering how to tell the difference between typical allergy symptoms and COVID-19. While some symptoms of COVID-19 overlap with allergies, there are several differences.
COVID-19 Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear 2 to 14 days after getting the virus. COVID-19 symptoms include but are not limited to:
-High fever
-Cough
-Shortness of breath
-Tiredness
-Body aches
-Runny nose
-Sore throat
-Loss of taste and smell
-Diarrhea
Allergy Symptoms:
-Sneezing
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Watery or itchy eyes
-Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
-Ear congestion
-Postnasal drainage
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Those with pre-existing chronic health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease should be even more vigilant as they are at higher risk for a poor outcome if they contract the virus.
So, how will you know if you already have COVID-19 or if what you are experiencing is just plain allergies? Allergies typically cause nasal symptoms such as a runny nose and sinus congestion but do not usually result in a fever, as is found with COVID-19 or the flu. However, if you feel any symptoms resembling COVID-19, it is recommended to call your doctor to discuss symptoms and determine if testing and self-quarantine is required.