As the weather gets warmer and pollen counts across the UK rise, many people could be concerned their allergy symptoms are actually a sign of coronavirus.
Hay fever can cause sneezing, coughing, itchiness, watery eyes, loss of smell, headache, shortness of breath or fatigue – some of which are also symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
The Royal College of General Practitioners is urging people to be vigilant and not confuse the symptoms of the two. People could be spreading the virus by still going out, incorrectly believing they just have hay fever.
Luckily, there are ways to tell the difference between allergy symptoms and coronavirus symptoms.
If you are experiencing itchiness (in your eyes, ears, mouth, nose or throat) then this is likely to be your allergies. Itchiness has never been reported as a symptom of COVID-19.
If, however, you have a fever, feel achy or have a sore throat, it is unlikely that you are suffering from just allergies. You could have COVID-19, or you could have a different virus.
Some symptoms could be either
Some symptoms – including a dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath – could be a sign of either coronavirus or seasonal allergies.
But there are still ways to tell the difference.
Allergy symptoms tend to fluctuate throughout the day as pollen levels are often higher in the afternoon and evening.
And if your symptoms are alleviated by allergy medication, then you probably do not have COVID-19.Â
Hay fever sufferers should also have an idea of what symptoms to expect. If your coughing and shortness of breath is in line with your symptoms in previous years, you can probably assume it’s your allergies.
If your symptoms deviate from other years, or if they are more severe, there’s a chance you’re not just suffering from normal hay fever and you should self-isolate.
If you’ve never had hay fever before, you should play it safe and assume that your coughing is not caused by seasonal allergies.
Sneezing
Sneezing is a common allergy symptom, and has been reported in some coronavirus cases as well.
If sneezing is your only symptom, it’s unlikely to be a sign of coronavirus. It has only been reported in rare cases.
If you’re experiencing sneezing alongside other symptoms – such as a fever or dry cough – you should self-isolate.
If you are not sure whether your symptoms are coronavirus or seasonal allergies, you can visit the NHS 111 website and answer a questionnaire that will tell you what to do.
If in doubt, you should assume that you have COVID-19 and self-isolate at home to reduce the risk of spreading it to others.