DENVER (KDVR) — Fall is formally right here and with it, comes seasonal allergic reactions. From coughing, to sneezing, and even that scratchy throat, how are you going to inform the distinction between your allergic reactions and COVID-19?
The reply won’t be so simple as it appears. The best approach to decide the distinction is by getting a COVID-19 check.
In response to National Jewish Health Allergist, Flavia Hoyte, MD, “Most individuals who’ve allergic reactions know what their allergic reactions really feel like and after they are likely to peak.”
One other good approach to know the distinction is {that a} fever doesn’t accompany allergic reactions. Nonetheless, you will be sick with COVID-19 and never have a fever.
Right here’s a take a look at signs of each COVID-19 and allergic reactions.
Signs of allergic reactions
These are the common symptoms of allergies, according to National Jewish Health:
- Itchy, watery and/or crimson eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nostril
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Itching of the pores and skin
Some allergy signs, like nasal congestion or runny nostril, additionally will be signs of viral infections equivalent to a chilly or COVID-19.
Allergic reactions typically is not going to have an effect on the lungs, however can set off bronchial asthma in folks with allergic bronchial asthma. Allergic reactions additionally sometimes don’t trigger a fever or excessive fatigue, in line with the Nationwide Jewish Well being.
Signs of COVID-19
In response to the World Health Organization, the most typical signs of COVID-19 are:
Different signs which are much less widespread and will have an effect on some sufferers embody:
- Lack of style or scent,
- Nasal congestion,
- Conjunctivitis (also referred to as crimson eyes)
- Sore throat,
- Headache,
- Muscle or joint ache,
- Various kinds of pores and skin rash,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Chills or dizziness.
Signs of extreme COVID‐19 illness embody:
- Shortness of breath,
- Lack of urge for food,
- Confusion,
- Persistent ache or strain within the chest,
- Excessive temperature (above 38 °C).
Different much less widespread signs are:
- Irritability,
- Confusion,
- Diminished consciousness (generally related to seizures),
- Nervousness,
- Despair,
- Sleep problems,
- Extra extreme and uncommon neurological problems equivalent to strokes, mind irritation, delirium and nerve harm.
This listing doesn’t embody all doable signs.