As summer nears, many individuals continue to grapple with spring allergies. Concurrently, new Covid variants are circulating, prompting concerns about a potential rise in cases, although current wastewater data suggests Covid cases remain relatively low. Differentiating between seasonal allergy symptoms, early signs of Covid, or a common cold can be challenging.
The Importance of Testing
The most definitive method to determine if you have Covid is to take a test. However, obtaining at-home rapid tests has become more difficult since the expiration of the public health emergency. Here are some tips to help identify the source of your symptoms.
Specific Symptoms to Watch
While Covid symptoms can vary, generally, the more immunity a person has—whether through previous infections, vaccinations, or both—the milder the symptoms tend to be. Dr. Davey Smith, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Diego, notes that most people with Covid experience symptoms like a sneezy, stuffy nose, which can mimic allergies.
However, there are key differences. According to Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health, people with allergies rarely develop high fevers. If you have a fever above 100.4 degrees, it’s more likely to be Covid or another viral infection. Covid can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are not typical of allergies. Additionally, Dr. Lily Pien from the Cleveland Clinic points out that Covid often results in body aches, unlike allergies.
Itchiness is a hallmark of allergies. If you’re scratching your eyes, ears, and throat, it’s less likely to be Covid. Allergies also cause “dry” symptoms, meaning that any coughs associated with allergies typically won’t produce mucus. Fatigue from allergies can be gradual, whereas Covid-related fatigue tends to be sudden and debilitating.
Context and Duration
Consider your recent activities and exposures. If you’ve been around someone who tested positive for Covid and you’re now experiencing symptoms, there’s a good chance you might have Covid. Conversely, if you consistently develop allergy symptoms every spring and they coincided with the blooming season, allergies are likely the cause.
Dr. Pien notes that allergy symptoms can unexpectedly develop in individuals who previously did not have them, especially after moving to a new area with different pollens and longer growing seasons. Dr. Paul Sax from Brigham and Women’s Hospital advises that if symptoms persist for weeks, it’s likely allergies—though Covid can also cause prolonged illness.
To determine whether allergies are the culprit, try using allergy medications like antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. If these alleviate your symptoms, allergies are likely the cause.
The Only Sure Answer
Despite these guidelines, the only way to definitively identify the source of your symptoms is through a test. “Even I’ve been fooled,” admits Dr. Parikh. “On some of my patients, it’s identical, until we get through the Covid test.”
Summary
In summary, distinguishing between allergies, Covid, and a common cold involves paying attention to specific symptoms, context, and the duration of illness. Testing remains the most reliable method to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
