Managing Seasonal Allergies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 9, 2021

Chicago is defrosting, Spring is on the horizon and while many of are used to dealing with annoying symptoms of spring allergies, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may bring up some new questions, concerns and frankly, confusion. See below for a breakdown of the difference between normal spring allergies and COVID-19:

Seasonal Allergies vs. COVID-19 Symptoms

Typical seasonal allergy symptoms occur seasonally or at any point when someone is sensitive to particles such as pollen, animal dander or certain foods. Common symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, itchy, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip. Allergies can make breathing difficult, and trigger coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. If you experience all these symptoms and have a fever, you may want to get tested for COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are more sudden than allergies and result in coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and loss of taste and smell. The virus is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Do Allergies Make You More Vulnerable to COVID-19?

According to Dr. Arveen Bhasin, a Mayo Clinic allergy and immunology specialist, there is no data to support that those patients with allergies and asthma are at an increased risk for contracting COVID-19. Individuals with allergies can manage their symptoms in a variety of ways from avoiding the outdoors on high pollen count days to taking allergy medications.

It is important to know that Coronavirus is a new virus, and there is currently no vaccine to prevent infection. However, there are recommended precautions from the CDC to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 including: practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, frequently washing your hands regularly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces, and avoiding close contact with others.

About Access Community Health Network (ACCESS)

If you are experiencing severe seasonal allergies, your ACCESS care team is here to help. Schedule an appointment today.

Access Community Health Network (ACCESS), is continuing to work with state and local health officials and community partners to help support our communities during this public health crisis. 

 

As of March 28, 2023