Allergy Symptoms VS COVID-19 Symptoms
Throughout the US, pollen has started to bloom and cause typical symptoms in those with allergies right as we have seen the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 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 coronavirus or the flu. While some symptoms of the coronavirus overlap with allergies, there are several differences.
It’s important to note that this article is not intended to provide comprehensive medical advice. If you have concerns, please always contact your doctor and use general best practices.
The Symptoms of the Coronavirus are:
According to the CDC, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: (Updated July 17, 2020)
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Coronavirus is spread through coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. We recommend following the CDC guidelines and those of your local health department to prevent the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Allergies are:
Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from mild to severe and occur seasonally. The most common include:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- watery and itchy eyes
- itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
- ear congestion
- postnasal drainage
Less common symptoms include:
- headache
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- coughing
Allergies are caused by a response in the immune system and are not contagious. Medications can treat your symptoms, and immunotherapy can help those with allergies find relief.
Take a look at our comprehensive chart below detailing the differences between the flu, allergies, and cold. Then, take a quiz provided by the CDC to see if your symptoms warrant medical attention for COVID-19.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu | Allergy |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEVER | Rare | High (102-104°F) last 3-4 days | Absent |
| HEADACHE | Rare | Prominent | Common |
| ACHES, PAINS | Slight | Usual; often severe | Never |
| FATIGUE, WEAKNESS | Quite Mild | Can last up to 2-3 weeks | Common |
| EXTREME EXHAUSTION | Never | Early and prominent | Unusual |
| STUFFY NOSE | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| SNEEZING | Usual | Sometimes | Common |
| SORE THROAT | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| CHEST DISCOMFORT, COUGH | Mild to Moderate, hacking cough | Common, can become severe | Sometimes |
| COMPLICATIONS | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening | Asthma, ear infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, nasal polyps |
| PREVENTION | None | Annual vaccination; antiviral drugs | Controlling environment |
| TREATMENT | Only temporary relief of symptoms | Antiviral drugs 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms | Controlling environment, medication, allergy injections |
| OCCURRENCE | 3-4 times yearly | Once yearly | Seasonally/ Repeatedly |
