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With the unknowns of the pandemic plaguing us all, some people are worried that even mild symptoms are a sign of the virus. Having allergy season in full swing only adds more confusion to the mix, making it even harder to tell the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies. And while colds may be miserable but otherwise harmless, you fret that they share common symptoms as the novel coronavirus.
Fortunately, amid the similarities of colds, allergies, and coronavirus, there are some key differences.
Signs that it may be allergies or a cold
Luckily, the main signs of allergies—itchy, watery eyes, along with sneezing, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, and running nose—are atypical indicators for COVID-19.
Another key clue: You have a history of previous springtime allergies. However, “There are many patients who present with new-onset allergy symptoms each year, which may lead to some confusion and anxiety,” said Mitchell Boxer, MD, an allergy and immunologist with Northwell Health, and assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider (PCP) or allergist to determine an appropriate treatment plan, Boxer advised. There are many effective over-the-counter or prescribed medications that can help reduce allergy symptoms.
“With the general public on edge, this is not a good time for anyone to be coughing and/or sneezing in a public environment,” Boxer said. While people with allergies are at no greater risk of getting COVID-19, if they do have it and are coughing and sneezing in public, this is potentially problematic. That’s because wearing a mask does not completely prevent aerosolized particles from escaping through the openings of the mask.
A run-of-the-mill cold can also present with postnasal drip, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and low-grade fever. An important difference is the lack of itching of the eyes and nose, Boxer said. Normal colds last anywhere from two to four days. If you find your illness lasting longer and the symptoms more severe than a routine cold, it is possible you may have the coronavirus.
Signs that it may be COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, Boxer said. Less commonly, people may experience a runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, seizures, stroke, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, and rashes.
Symptoms can vary depending upon the age of the individual and will develop within two to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19.
If you suspect you have COVID-19, the first step is to contact your physician for further advice, Boxer advised. Most people with COVID-19 can manage their illness and recover at home without medical care.
“Your doctor should have a protocol in place to keep track of your symptoms through the course of the illness and will advise you accordingly about what symptoms need to be addressed urgently,” Boxer said.
Staying hydrated is crucial; Boxer recommended stocking up on either Gatorade or other supplemental fluids. “It is also important to get out of bed regularly despite not being motivated to do so,” he said. Your physician will advise you on breathing exercises that should be done regularly to attempt to lessen COVID-19 effects on the airways.
In New York, if you have a fever, cough, chills, and body aches, you are presumed to have COVID-19 and should be treated as such. Patients are advised to contact their doctor to discuss and will most likely be referred to a local testing center for further advice. Information about being tested at a Northwell Health center is available by calling (833) 487-2273.
You may find the chart below useful to help you decide if you are wondering if your symptoms require further medical care:
Cold, Allergy, & COVID Symptom Commonalities
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