As the pandemic continues, Americans are still finding themselves worried if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or if they are just being hypochondriacs. Since allergy symptoms and the signs of COVID-19 have a lot of crossover, one of the allergy doctors in LA at Westside Sinus has compiled a list of ways to tell COVID-19 from allergies.
As most people know at this point in the pandemic, it’s possible to have COVID-19 and not spread the virus. If you do have symptoms of COVID-19, they will appear as:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Intense fatigue, body aches
- Loss of smell or taste
Conversely, seasonal allergies carry a lot of the same symptoms. They include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy nose or ears
- Post-nasal drip (which can sometimes cause a mild sore throat)
- Mild fatigue
History
Think about your personal history. Are these symptoms occurring at a time when you normally experience allergies? If the symptoms are allergies, you’ve likely experienced them at the same time of year before. If you recently moved to a new area and then started to experience your symptoms, then you might need to get tested for COVID-19 to ensure that it’s just allergies.
It should also be noted that allergy symptoms are often more long-lasting than viral symptoms.
Treatment
If you experience allergies, you know that basic medications can relieve your symptoms. If you are suffering from a runny nose or feeling fatigued, try taking an allergy medication such as Zyrtec. If your symptoms do not diminish or subside, then you may need to get tested.
Keep an Eye on Your Symptoms
While there’s plenty of overlap between COVID-19 symptoms and seasonal allergies, there are a few discrepancies. By creating a list of your allergies and seeing the amount that don’t match up with COVID-19, this may give you clarity when it comes to your symptoms.
Allergy symptoms that don’t typically align with COVID-19 are:
- Itchy nose, eyes, mouth or inner ear
- Sneezing
If your allergy symptoms are so severe that you experience irritation that disrupts your daily life, then you may need to see an allergy doctor in Los Angeles.
COVID-19 symptoms that don’t typically align with allergies are:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Better Safe Than Sorry
Since COVID-19 is so contagious, it’s highly recommended by doctors that you get tested if you feel like you may have it at all.
The test for COVID-19 is fairly quick, and it’s done through a nasal swab, which is similar to a q-tip. The test is administered through a medical professional, although some places will have you do the test yourself. The swab is swirled around in your nostril a few times, and it’s over.
There are lots of places on the California coast where you can get tested for COVID-19. COVID testing in Los Angeles is listed here.
