How to Know if It’s COVID, Allergies or Something Else

Due to the kick-off of ragweed season and an obvious bump in COVID-19 case numbers in contrast with earlier this summer season, the query of “is it allergic reactions or is it COVID?” stays legitimate. Should you’re experiencing less-than-specific signs, and you feel unsure whether or not you are fantastic to go away the home (viruses are contagious, allergic reactions aren’t), know you are not alone. 

“It is quite common that individuals who have allergic reactions, they assume they’re having a collection of viral infections,” Dr. Geoff Rutledge, chief medical officer at HealthTap, advised CNET final spring. And on the opposite finish — some individuals have reported COVID-19 signs from newer variations of the virus which are usually linked to allergic reactions, together with pink eye. This may make it even trickier to know what you are down with, and why it is nonetheless necessary to check for COVID-19 in the event you plan on being round others. 

Nevertheless, there are some signs and clues which are “very suggestive” you are experiencing a virus versus seasonal allergic reactions, or vice versa, Rutledge stated. 

Allergy symptoms (additionally referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) have an effect on hundreds of thousands of adults and kids annually and are brought on by pollen or particles within the air that set off an immune response and signs that comply with — sneezing or itchiness, for instance. 

Viruses together with COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu additionally set off signs from a illness infecting the physique and the immune system responding, however they will additionally end in secondary infections, akin to sinus infections.

This is what to know in regards to the variations between allergic reactions and a virus. 

Fast ideas to assist test whether or not it is allergic reactions or a virus 

Normally, when telling one illness aside from one other: “It’s at all times greatest to have a well being care supplier verify the analysis if you’re not sure,” Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, pharmacy skilled at SingleCare, advised CNET in an electronic mail final spring . That being stated, there are some clues you should use to assist your self get the proper remedy or plan your week accordingly.

You probably have a fever, it isn’t allergic reactions

Whereas “fever” is within the title, hay fever doesn’t really trigger a fever, based on the American Faculty of Allergy, Bronchial asthma and Immunology. Nevertheless, if in case you have a sinus an infection or different bacterial an infection, which will trigger a fever and could be brought about “generally secondarily” from allergic reactions, based on Rutledge. 

Should you’re actually itchy, it is likely to be allergic reactions

“Allergy symptoms usually trigger itching of both the eyes, nostril or high of mouth, which isn’t often widespread in viral infections,” Bourgeois stated. It is necessary to notice that, whereas it is arduous to pin signs right down to particular variants of COVID-19, there have been some experiences of extra circumstances of conjunctivitis or pink eye with the newer variations of the virus. Viruses and micro organism may trigger pink eye, which in flip could cause itching across the eye.

In keeping with the Cleveland Clinic, different signs of allergic rhinitis apart from itching embody congestion, sneezing, complications and sinus ache, darkish circles underneath the eyes, elevated mucus, postnasal drip (mucus draining down the again of your throat), bother respiratory and fatigue or typically feeling unhealthy. 

Take the antihistamine check 

For individuals who expertise seasonal allergic reactions, however aren’t solely certain if that congested feeling is from the identical chilly your buddy had or the acquainted allergic reactions that often kick on this time of 12 months, Rutledge instructed what he calls a “therapeutic trial” of taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to see if that clears up your signs. 

“There are particular therapies that solely work for allergic reactions,” he stated, and antihistamines are one in every of them. Histamine is what your physique releases when you have got an allergy and your immune system is activated. Antihistamines work by blocking the results of histamine and serving to many allergy signs. On that observe, if in case you have sinus ache or sneezing and your signs enhance after you are taking a histamine, it is likely to be secure to say you have got allergic reactions.

Take a COVID-19 check 

This one’s fairly easy, however one of the simplest ways to search out out whether or not you have got COVID-19 or one thing else is by taking an at-home check, or a extra correct lab check in a health care provider’s workplace. This is likely to be particularly necessary in the event you plan on being round an individual who’s older or in any other case at increased threat of great sickness from COVID-19. 

What are the commonest COVID-19 signs

Whereas the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention has a protracted listing of COVID-19 signs, as does the World Well being Group, signs will rely in your age and different components, like how extreme of a case you have got and which pressure of COVID-19 is circulating. And based on Yale Medication, the newer omicron subvariant within the US, EG.5 or “Eris,” doesn’t seem up to now to trigger signs which are totally different than different variations of omicron which have been circulating for some time. 

The UK-based ZOE well being examine is an effective reference for the “hottest” COVID-19 signs as a result of its researchers have been protecting monitor of how COVID-19 signs change by gathering info from individuals within the nation with a constructive check who provide up their signs. 

As of December 2022, the highest 10 commonest COVID-19 signs within the UK, based on ZOE, have been: 

• Sore throat
• Runny nostril
• Blocked nostril
• Sneezing
• Cough with out phlegm
• Headache
• Cough with phlegm
• Hoarse voice
• Muscle aches and pains
• Altered sense of scent

What are some efficient allergy therapies?

What sort of remedy you want relies on which signs you have got. 

“Every remedy is designed to deal with particular signs, so it is necessary to search out the right over-the-counter medication with a purpose to handle and relieve your signs,” Bourgeois stated. For instance, antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec are customary allergy medicines, however you possibly can additionally discover reduction from a decongestant. 

In a pinch, a fever-reducing remedy like ibuprofen may also work for allergic reactions as a result of they’ve anti-inflammatory properties, Bourgeois stated.

You may even attempt stopping allergy signs earlier than they begin with a steroid nasal spray, based on Bourgeois. They do the work earlier than you are uncovered to the allergens within the air.

“It’s best to start the steroid nasal spray a few weeks earlier than the allergy season that triggers your signs and proceed all through the period of the season, because it’s usually not required to make use of the steroid nasal spray all 12 months lengthy,” she stated.

Should you select to do a nasal rinse after signs and mucus units in, Bourgeois referred to the CDC’s information for safely carrying it out with sterile materials. 

Many individuals will handle allergy signs with assist from their major physician or the proper remedy, Rutledge stated, and so they will not want additional medical assist. However in the event you’re nonetheless not getting reduction out of your signs, and you’ve got completed some detective work into what’s inflicting your allergic reactions, you then is likely to be a great candidate for in-clinic allergy testing or a follow-up appointment with a specialist to get to the supply, based on Rutledge.