If you’re an allergy sufferer, you are all too familiar with the symptoms. Sneezing, coughing, congestion and a runny nose are just some of the unpleasant symptoms those who suffer from allergies experience every spring, fall, or both.
With a world-wide pandemic in place, suddenly allergy sufferers are facing the fear that those symptoms they are familiar with could also be symptoms of the debilitating and even deadly COVID-19.
How to tell the difference? Let’s break it down:
Allergy Symptoms*
- Runny Nose, Stuffy Nose, Sneezing
- Wheezing, Shortness of Breath
- Cough
- Rashes
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting (food allergies)
COVID-19 Symptoms**
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
It’s pretty obvious that there is overlap in the symptoms of allergies and COVID-19. But how do you tell the difference?
The number one differentiating symptom is fever or chills. Despite its nickname “Hay Fever,” fever is NOT a symptom of allergies. If you have a fever and you suspect you might have been exposed to COVID-19, please seek medical attention immediately.
If you are experiencing any of the overlapping symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath and headache, the picture is not so clear. Most allergy sufferers have their stand-by treatments they use to get through allergy seasons, so if those treatments do not provide relief, please seek medical advice. The COVID-19 virus is nothing to trifle with, so if you are an allergy sufferer, please educate yourself on how to stay healthy during the fall allergy season/COVID-19 pandemic. More information on both allergies and COVID-19 can be found here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-seasonal-allergies-faqs.html
To protect yourself from seasonal allergies, the CDC recommends limiting your exposure to outdoor air when possible. They also recommend creating a cleaner indoor air environment in your home. One recommendation is to use HEPA or MERV-13 or higher air filters. Not sure what you need for your home and HVAC system? FilterShipping can help with that. Give us a call at 815-568-9300, or check out our website, www.filtershipping.com. We want you and your family to be as healthy as possible until this pandemic recedes.
*Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, www.acaai.org/allergies/symptoms
**Source: Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
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