Many of the symptoms of seasonal allergies and COVID-19 are similar. Gregorio Gomez, Clinical Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of Houston College of Medicine explains how can you tell the difference.
“In Texas, allergy season is almost year-round. Seasonal allergies and COVID-19 have similar symptoms.”
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
One way to tell them apart: seasonal allergies rarely cause actual fever. COVID-19 symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough that won't go away
- Extreme shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
Strategies to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms are
- Limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high
- Keep doors and windows closed and use an air filter
- Wash clothing regularly to remove pollen
“If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, contact your doctor and get a COVID-19 test.”
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