Is It Just Allergies or Covid-19?
Allergy season is typically a miserable time of year for allergy sufferers, but these days, things are a bit more complicated. That’s because of COVID-19, the respiratory virus that has many of the same symptoms as allergies. Now, every tickle in the throat or stuffy nose is a cause for concern: Is it just allergies or is it COVID-19? Thankfully, there are a few ways to differentiate allergies from COVID-19:
The Symptoms
Nasal congestion, headache, runny nose, cough, wheezing, and sore throat are all symptoms that allergies share with COVID-19. However, there are a handful of other prominent allergy symptoms that are not present with this virus, such as itchy or watery eyes and post-nasal drip. On the other hand, those with COVID-19 will more commonly experience fever, shortness of breath, intense fatigue, and body aches.
The Treatment
Allergy symptoms respond to antihistamines. COVID-19 symptoms do not. However, you may be able to ease the severity of COVID-19 symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
The Timeline
Allergy symptoms are long-lasting while COVID-19 symptoms will often resolve within a couple of weeks. What’s more, you may be able to tell that your symptoms are due to allergies because of your past history. Have you often dealt with allergy symptoms this time of year? If so, it’s more likely than not that your allergies are the culprit.
At ExpressMD we provide allergy treatment as well as COVID-19 testing. If you are not sure if your symptoms are due to allergies or COVID-19, we can perform a nasal swab to determine if you have the virus. We offer COVID-19 testing every day. Minimize your wait and schedule an appointment online.
Allergy Treatment Offered Seven Days Per Week
If you are concerned about your allergy symptoms and would like to speak with a medical provider about your treatment options, you can visit ExpressMD Urgent Care seven days per week. Appointments are never required, and you can skip the wait in the waiting room by utilizing our online check-in system. You’ll be seen promptly by an experienced practitioner who will evaluate your symptoms and learn about your medical history in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at helping you feel better.
The Right Care at the Right Time
ExpressMD Urgent Care is here for you, whether you’re experiencing allergy symptoms or worried you have contracted COVID-19. Please check in online or just walk in to be seen if you are looking to be tested for COVID-19, or for prompt allergy treatment.