What Is the Difference Between Allergies and COVID-19?

Some Texans may be wondering if symptoms of allergies are really coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a handy map to answer these questions. 

The CDC says “COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, but there are some key differences between the two.”

The map explains that seasonal allergies may cause itchy or watery eyes and sneezing, but coronavirus symptoms could appear more like the flu, with a fever, chills, and muscle and body aches. Symptoms of COVID-19 include loss of smell and taste, nausea, and diarrhea, these do not typically happen with seasonal allergies.

What about if you have both allergies and coronavirus? Well if you have overlapping symptoms of difficulty breathing, along with coughing, fatigue, headache, sore throat, congestion, or a running nose, the CDC says you may have both.

For those wondering if seasonal allergies alone cause shortness of breath, the CDC states “seasonal allergies do not usually cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unless a person has a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by exposure to pollen.”

“If you’re sneezing, it’s probably not COVID and more likely allergies. If you’re still not sure, consider getting a COVID test and talk to your doctor,” John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer at WebMD says.

Remember COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness, and allergies can be triggered by airborne pollen, which can affect the sinuses, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes, the CDC explains.