The winter chill has come and gone, and spring brings with it much milder weather and hope for the year to come. With plant and animal life being rejuvenated every day, your dormant allergy symptoms are likely coming to life, too.
COVID-19 is still a major concern all over the country, and it can be confusing and scary to try and differentiate spring allergy symptoms from the coronavirus. Both conditions target the respiratory system, so it’s important to make clear distinctions between the two.
COVID-19 Vs. Allergy Symptoms
In a time when every respiratory symptom can be concerning, it’s important to remember that allergies are caused by inflammation. Your body reacts to pollen, mold, or other allergens and brings on a runny nose, dry cough, watery eyes, and congestion.
The main symptoms for COVID-19, on the other hand, center on fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, loss of taste or smell, dry cough, and fever. Other symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), pinkeye, and skin rash are associated with COVID-19 as well.
Sneezing and the common cold are not coronavirus symptoms. If your allergy manifests typically in a runny nose, there’s no need to worry that you’ve been infected by COVID-19. Just make sure that you are as hygienic as possible when you sneeze and blow your nose.
However, if you are experiencing a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a fever, you should get tested for COVID-19 and consult with a doctor. You can have seasonal allergies and a viral infection simultaneously, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
4 Tips to Help You Manage Spring Allergies
Now that you have a better idea about how to distinguish between the coronavirus and run-of-the-mill allergies, here are some ways you can manage your allergy symptoms:
Preventive Medicine
If you have experienced allergy symptoms year in and year out, you can start taking your allergy medicine one or two weeks before spring arrives. The medication will work better if your nasal passages and airway haven’t reacted to environmental allergens just yet.
When spring begins, you can also opt to take Vitamin C once or twice a day. It’s a natural, gentle antihistamine that will also help build up your immune system. Green tea and cayenne pepper can also help reduce allergy symptoms.
Limit Exposure
Everyone loves a spring walk in the sunshine once the weather turns, but if you have a pollen allergy, it may be best for you just to stay indoors. Close your windows and turn on your air-conditioning to make sure nothing gets inside your room or your house.
Clean Environment
If you or anyone in your household do venture outside, you can take measures to make sure that you don’t let pollen into your home. Remove your shoes and outerwear at the door to limit exposure to that part of the house. Take a shower immediately after getting back home to rinse away allergens that have stuck to your body.
Nasal Irrigation
A daily rinse of your nasal passages can help alleviate inflammation in your sinuses, leading to fewer headaches and stuffiness. A simple nasal saline can rinse away pollen and other allergens that have made their way into your nasal passages.
Conclusion
With the arrival of spring comes all kinds of allergy symptoms. If you are sensitive to pollen, close all your windows and doors and turn your air-conditioner to circulate. If you venture outside, make sure to take a shower and rinse your nasal passages as soon as you get home.
If you have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual or you are concerned about your allergy symptoms, Agile Urgent Care offers rapid and standard COVID-19 tests on a walk-in basis. No need to set an appointment.
Agile Urgent Care is a full-service, walk-in medical facility that provides convenient, state-of-the-art, affordable services for injuries and illnesses. We treat children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, and our team strives to serve everyone efficiently and compassionately. Contact us today if you have any medical concerns.
