Is It a Chilly, COVID, or Simply Allergy symptoms?
It begins with a sniffle. Perhaps a cough. You are feeling slightly off—however is it simply seasonal allergic reactions, a standard chilly, or one thing extra severe like COVID-19?
This query is extra widespread than ever. As an allergist, I hear it on a regular basis from sufferers who’re attempting to make sense of their signs. Let’s break down the important thing variations so you can also make knowledgeable selections about your well being—and know when to see a specialist.
The Symptom Overlap: Why It’s Complicated
Allergy symptoms, colds, and COVID-19 share many signs, together with:
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Runny or stuffy nostril
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Coughing
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Fatigue
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Sore throat
However whereas the signs could look related, the causes—and the remedies—are very completely different.
Tips on how to Inform the Distinction
| Symptom | Allergy symptoms | Frequent Chilly | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual, seasonal | Gradual, over 1-3 days | Sudden or gradual |
| Fever | By no means | Uncommon, low-grade | Frequent, particularly early |
| Sneezing | Quite common | Frequent | Much less widespread |
| Itchy eyes/nostril | Quite common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Cough | Typically (dry) | Frequent | Frequent |
| Physique aches | Uncommon | Gentle | Frequent |
| Lack of style/scent | Typically (from congestion) | Uncommon | Frequent, even with out congestion |
| Period | Weeks to months | 7–10 days | Varies (normally 1–2 weeks) |
| Contagious? | No | Sure | Sure |
When to Suspect Allergy symptoms
In case your signs:
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Come and go along with the seasons
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Embody itchy or watery eyes
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Enhance indoors or worsen after out of doors publicity
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Final greater than 10 days with out fever
…you’re seemingly coping with allergic reactions—not an an infection.
When to Get Examined
Nonetheless uncertain? Right here’s when it’s sensible to get examined:
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You’ve gotten a fever, physique aches, or sudden lack of style/scent
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Signs got here on rapidly and are getting worse
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You’ve been involved with somebody who’s sick
For allergic reactions, probably the most dependable option to know for positive is allergy testing—which we will carry out proper in our workplace.
Why It Issues
Misdiagnosing allergic reactions as a chilly (or vice versa) can result in:
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Taking pointless drugs
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Lacking work or faculty
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Worsening signs from untreated allergic reactions
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Spreading sickness if contagious
Getting the suitable prognosis helps you’re feeling higher quicker—and retains these round you secure.
Lengthy COVID signs and therapy
