Is My Child Sick or Do They Have Allergies?

Parents everywhere are struggling to keep their children healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you think you have a handle on things, new symptoms seem to crop up out of nowhere. So, how can you tell if your child is experiencing allergies or if they may have contracted the virus?

Let's take a look at some of the similarities between allergies and COVID-19 in infants and children:

Both allergies and COVID-19 can cause a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

When allergens are present in the air, it can always be challenging to tell whether your little one is sick or has seasonal allergies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brings additional worries for parents.

Minor symptoms of COVID-19 display very similarly to allergies, which is why diagnosing and treating your child's condition is vital. It's also important to think of when these symptoms started: was your little one just playing outdoors or eating food they could be sensitive to?

COVID-19 commonly comes with a fever.

It is scarce for allergies to cause your child to have a fever. This is because fevers are more commonly associated with viral and bacterial infections — such as COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. If your child presents with minor symptoms, take their temperature to determine if they're ill.

Allergies are more likely to cause itchy eyes, while COVID-19 typically causes fatigue and body aches.

Beyond the typical sore throat or congestion, there are other signs you can look out for that may indicate your child has allergies. Are their eyes watery after being exposed to pollen? Or are they more tired and lethargic?

While allergies may make your little one exhausted depending on their medication, body aches are a telltale sign of illness.

Children with allergies may have trouble breathing, but this is more common in children with COVID-19.

While coughing is more common in children with allergies, constant trouble breathing is most common in patients with COVID-19. However, it can be difficult for parents to determine if coughing is related to asthma or illness. This is why allergy and asthma testing can help you care for your child properly.

Seek Treatment for your Child’s Symptoms

If you're still not sure whether your child's symptoms are allergies or COVID-19, the best course of action is to contact our team at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia for allergy testing and treatment. Our allergists will be able to help you make a diagnosis and get your child the treatment they need to alleviate anxieties about COVID-19.

Contact Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today to book your little one’s first appointment: (770) 459-0620