COVID or allergies? Spring weather may make it tough to tell what’s ailing you

Spring is in full swing, and usually which means allergic reactions for a lot of. However with COVID-19 circumstances rising once more, chances are you’ll be asking your self when you have the virus or if it’s simply allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions have an effect on as many as 60 million individuals per yr in the US, in response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. And this allergy season, coronavirus infections are again on the rise in Los Angeles County, with a 40% enhance in circumstances, public well being officers mentioned final week.

Pair that with gusty winds selecting up within the subsequent few days, and also you’ll be asking your self if these sniffles are one thing to fret about.

“Signs of allergic reactions can positively mimic the signs of COVID,” the L.A. County Division of Public Well being informed KTLA.

The 2 share some signs, together with: cough, fatigue, complications, tiredness, sore throat, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nostril, in response to the CDC.

However they’re additionally completely different. Frequent signs of COVID-19 that allergic reactions don’t generally have are: fever or chills, physique aches, lack of style or odor, and shortness of breath. (Seasonal allergic reactions don’t trigger shortness of breath until an individual has a respiratory situation like bronchial asthma that may be triggered by pollen).

In the meantime allergic reactions could cause itchy or watery eyes, which COVID-19 doesn’t generally do.

The CDC chart under lets you evaluate the signs of COVID-19 and seasonal allergic reactions so you’ll be able to inform the distinction:

Since COVID-19 and seasonal allergic reactions do share quite a lot of signs, it’s suggested to take a coronavirus take a look at.

“If individuals have new onset cough, or different signs of COVID we all the time suggest testing and isolating till you’ve gotten the outcomes of the exams,” L.A. County Public Well being officers mentioned.

For those who’re sick, you’re suggested to isolate from others and take a look at your self for COVID-19. In case your signs are extreme or when you have underlying medical circumstances that suppress your immune system, chances are you’ll have to seek the advice of with a well being care supplier.

Local weather change might probably result in each greater pollen concentrations and longer pollen seasons, inflicting extra individuals to endure from allergic reactions, in response to the CDC.

The excellent news is that face masks can cut back outside allergic reactions if worn correctly and cleaned repeatedly, the division added.