How to tell the difference between Covid 19 and Allergies has become very useful in the times we are in. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there have been a lot of phobia going around among sick patients and the people surrounding them. So many people are afraid of going to the Hospitals because they are afraid of being diagnosed with the Covid 19 virus, especially in developed nations.
How to Tell the Difference Between Covid and Allergies
This article has come to bridge the gap that was created by this fear. With this article, I am going to show you the difference between Covid 19 and Allergies so that you can infer your situation at home when you are sick. This article is in no way a replacement for a hospital. Therefore, visit the nearest clinic when you have symptoms.
What is COVID 19?
For the sake of those who are entirely new to this, Covid 19 is a respiratory disease that is caused by infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. This disease is spread among people who are in close contact. The disease was the source of the pandemic that occurred in 2020 which claimed the lives of so many. The virus is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even sings.
The Symptoms of Covid 19
The symptoms of Covid 19 include
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- And other possible signs and symptoms
The other symptoms may include shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, headache, loss of taste ‚or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose‘, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea, etc.
How Covid 19 is Treated
Covid 19 is treated with an antiviral drug called remdesivir. This drug has been approved to treat covid 19. Some drugs are useful to help reduce the severity of covid 19. Two Covid 19 vaccines have been approved by the U.S food and drug administration, and then emergency usage of some vaccines has also been authorized.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are reactions that your body gives to normally harmless substances like pollen grain, molds, animal dander, latex, certain foods, and insect stings. Allergies range from mild rash or hives to itchiness, runny nose, watery or red eyes, life-threatening situations. The treatment of allergies includes antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, asthma medicines, and immunotherapy.
What is the Difference Between Covid 19 and Seasonal Allergies?
Some people may confuse Covid 19 for seasonal allergies or the other way round. But here are the major differences, Seasonal Allergies aren‘t caused by viruses, they are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens like a seasonal tree or grass pollen.
The table below will show the difference clearly;
| Symptom or sign | COVID-19 | Allergy |
| Cough | Usually (dry) | Sometimes |
| Fever | Usually | Never |
| Muscle aches | Usually | Never |
| Tiredness | Usually | Sometimes |
| Itchy nose, eyes, mouth or inner ear | Never | Usually |
| Sneezing | Rarely | Usually |
| Sore throat | Usually | Rarely |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Usually | Usually |
| Pink eye (conjunctivitis) | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Nausea or vomiting | Sometimes | Never |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes | Never |
| New loss of taste or smell | Usually (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose) | Sometimes |
Another thing to note is that COVID 19 can cause shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. Most allergies do not actually cause these problems unless you have a respiratory problem like asthma that can be triggered by exposure to pollen.
You may need the counter prescription to treat seasonal allergies. These prescriptions may include antihistamines, Nasal Steroid sprays and decongestants, and avoidance of exposure to the allergens where ever possible. Seasonal allergies may last as much as several weeks.
Allergens: substances that cause allergic reactions.
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