Are Your Winter Symptoms COVID-19 or Allergies?
The more we learn about COVID-19, the more we learn that many people have very mild symptoms that are identical to allergies.
Our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia are dedicated to providing all new and existing patients the allergy diagnosis and treatments they need to stay healthy and safe. Keep reading to learn how to identify your symptoms.
Common Signs of COVID-19
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is spread from person to person through airborne droplets.
Though having a fever is one of the most common signs of COVID-19, not all patients have a fever — especially those early in the course of infection. As scientists have studied the virus, we’ve seen that COVID-19 shares common symptoms with allergies. These include:
- Nasal congestion
- Redness of the eyes
- Sore throat
- Loss of sense of smell and taste
- Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness or pain.
Many of these symptoms may also worsen over time, and without a diagnosis, it can be difficult to determine if you have allergies, COVID-19, or another respiratory condition.
Common Signs of Allergies
The most common winter allergens are indoor toxins and pollutants. Sometimes, the biggest dangers lurk inside your home during holiday festivities. From putting up and taking down your decorations, plenty of indoor dander, dust, and other allergens can stir up in your dry indoor air and cause a flare-up.
The following signs that we at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia typically see in our allergy patients that are not commonly present in coronavirus patients:
- No fever
- Runny nose, sneezing, or stuffiness
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Coughing and wheezing
If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms, trust our specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia to diagnose your allergies and find the treatment plan that works for you.
Over time, allergy symptoms can become worse and present themselves very similarly to coronavirus. Therefore, some patients may develop coughing, chest tightness, and other symptoms leading to concern about COVID-19, while these symptoms are common allergy problems.
Seek Allergy Treatment this Winter at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia
Now more than ever, it’s crucial for patients to seek treatment from our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia to keep their symptoms at bay and prevent unnecessary exposure to an urgent care or emergency room. With cases spiking over the winter, patients should not delay in getting tested. Our team at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can help you determine if you are suffering from allergies.
Contact our team today to schedule your consultation: (770) 459-0620