[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/difference-between-allergies-and-covid-19\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/difference-between-allergies-and-covid-19\/","headline":"How to Tell the Difference Between Allergies and COVID-19","name":"How to Tell the Difference Between Allergies and COVID-19","description":"Does your cough and runny nose mean you have seasonal allergies or COVID-19? Here's how to tell the difference.","datePublished":"2021-06-22","dateModified":"2022-06-08","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/difference-between-allergies-and-covid-19.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/difference-between-allergies-and-covid-19.jpg","height":326,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/difference-between-allergies-and-covid-19\/","about":["COVID-19","Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":818,"articleBody":"Disclaimer: At UPMC HealthBeat, we strive to provide the most up-to-date facts in our stories when we publish them. We also make updates to our content as information changes. However, education about COVID-19 can shift quickly based on new data, emerging variants, or other factors. The information in this story was accurate as of its publish date. We also encourage you to visit other reliable websites for updated information, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and your state and local governments.\u00a0You wake up with a headache, runny nose, and congestion. It’s summer, so it might be your annual bout of seasonal allergies. But we’re still living in a pandemic \u2014 so could your ailment be COVID-19?Seasonal allergies and COVID-19 share some of the same symptoms, so it can be difficult to figure out which is which. Read on for more information about allergies vs. COVID-19, and how to tell them apart.What Is the Difference Between Allergies and COVID-19?First, it’s important to know what each condition is.What are seasonal allergies?\u201cSeasonal allergy” is a blanket term for airborne allergies in the warm weather months. It’s also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, or sometimes \u201chay fever.” These allergies happen when plants and mold release pollen and spores into the air.If you’re allergic to certain types of pollen (or mold spores), your body sends chemicals into the bloodstream to defend against them. The release of these chemicals, including histamine, triggers allergy symptoms.Seasonal allergies are not contagious. You can’t catch them from anyone. You can develop new allergies at any stage of life.What is COVID-19?COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It happens when you’re infected with a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The symptoms vary from person to person, but often include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.Unlike seasonal allergies, COVID-19 is highly contagious.Allergies vs. COVID-19Seasonal allergies share some symptoms with COVID-19, but they differ in important ways.COVID-19 symptomsSome of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:Body achesChillsCongestionCoughingDiarrheaDifficulty breathingExhaustionFeverHeadacheLoss of smellLoss of tasteNauseaRunny noseShortness of breathSore throatVomitingSeasonal allergy symptomsCommon symptoms of pollen allergies are:CongestionCoughingFatigueHeadacheItchy eyes, ears and\/or noseItchy skin or a rashRed eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)Runny noseSneezingShortness of breath or wheezingSore throat (from post-nasal drip)Watery eyesQuestions to Ask Yourself: Seasonal Allergies vs. COVID-19To help figure out if you’ve got COVID-19 or seasonal allergies, ask yourself the following questions.Do my symptoms come back at the same time every year? If so, you’re likely allergic to a particular tree pollen or mold that occurs at the same time each year.Do I have a fever? Allergies don’t cause fever. If you have a fever, you might have COVID-19, the flu, or another condition.Have I ever had asthma? Asthma often goes hand-in-hand with allergies and can cause shortness of breath.Does taking an antihistamine give me relief? If you feel better an hour or so after taking an antihistamine, the problem is likely allergies.Do I only have symptoms when I go outside? If so, you’re likely exposed to the pollen causing your allergic reaction.Have I lost my sense of smell or taste? These are specific symptoms of COVID-19, not allergies.Do I have body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea? These symptoms are not related to allergies.Treatment: Seasonal Allergies vs. COVID-19Treatment for allergies and COVID-19 is different.Allergy treatmentTo ease symptoms of seasonal allergies, limit your exposure to pollen.Stay indoors when pollen counts are high.Use a portable air cleaner.Keep your windows closed.Use air conditioning.Wash your sheets in hot water once a week.Shower after spending time outdoors.Take an antistamine, allergy eye drops, or allergy nasal spray when needed.For concerns about allergies, visit UPMC Urgent Care. See your doctor if symptoms persist. You may need prescription allergy medication.COVID-19 treatmentIf you’re not fully vaccinated and have been around someone with COVID-19, you should get tested. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild and you can recover at home. You may need to quarantine. Consult a physician, including UPMC Urgent Care, or use the UPMC Anywhere Care app, if you are having the worrisome symptoms listed above.Seek emergency medical treatment if you are experiencing:ConfusionPain in your chestPale or gray-colored skinTrouble breathingTrouble staying awakeSourcesCDC, Infographic: Venn diagram of the overlap of COVID-19 symptoms with seasonal allergy symptoms, LinkCDC, What is the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies? LinkKids Health, About Seasonal Allergies, LinkAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Seasonal Allergies, LinkToday, Is it spring allergies or coronavirus? LinkThe New York Times, Is It Covid-19 or Allergies? 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