How COVID-19 Symptoms Can Mimic Asthma & Allergies

For people with seasonal allergies and asthma, springtime can mean an increase in symptoms like sniffles, sneezes, and coughing. In the past, you wouldn't worry. You'd just assume pollen was to blame, but we know this is no ordinary year. Many people are worried about the risk of COVID-19. That’s why now more than ever, it’s important to offer yourself reassurance by being able to understand the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and allergies or asthma symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

Since coughing and shortness of breath are also symptoms of allergy-induced asthma, they can create some confusion and worry. Keep in mind that the hallmark symptom of COVID-19 is a fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the primary symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms of COVID-19 tend to appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Seek Emergency Medical Help As Soon As Possible If You Experience:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

How Are Seasonal Asthma and Allergies Different from COVID-19?

People with asthma should listen to their bodies. If your coughing is more severe, just feels different, or your medications aren't giving you relief, contact your doctor.

Those experiencing seasonal allergies will likely have other symptoms that aren't typical for COVID-19, like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat / ear canals / sinuses, and watery or dry eyes. Since, this is your immune system trying to defend your body, allergy symptoms are not contagious.

When trying to distinguish between any virus and asthma or allergies, remember that:

• Asthma and allergies won't cause a fever.
• Viruses are contagious. If you're the only person in your house experiencing symptoms, it's probably your seasonal asthma or allergies. /li>
• High pollen counts in your area will correlate with increased asthma and allergy symptoms.

Be Proactive with Your Allergy Symptoms

With a little preparation, you can stay ahead of your seasonal allergies and asthma. Start by going through your medicine cabinet and discarding any expired medications. Buy any OTC medications that you need and refill your prescriptions.

You can stay comfortable this spring by:

• Carrying your inhaler or any "as needed" medication on you at all times.
• Monitoring the pollen count in your area.
• Staying indoors on dry, windy days as pollen is most prevalent in these conditions.
• Keep windows closed if possible. Use the air conditioner in your car and your home.
• Avoid chores like mowing the lawn or pulling weeds.

If you do spend time outside, change your clothing and shower as soon as you come inside.

Our Allergists Can Help Alleviate your Allergy & Asthma Symptoms

You don't have to suffer through seasonal asthma or allergies. If you're not getting relief from over the counter medications, please contact us to set up a consultation. By treating your asthma and allergies, we can help assuage any confusion between symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms.

To help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, while offering patient’s suffering asthma and allergies peace of mind, we are now providing telemedicine visit with our allergists.

Want to learn more about Asthma? Read our Asthma Resource Guide

The allergy group has released a resource guide on asthma. This resource guide covers everything you need to know about asthma, and provides resources on topics like what you should do if someone has an asthma attack, what are the risk factors of asthma, and how do you know if you have asthma.

COVID-19 Resources

The situation with COVID-19 is constantly evolving. For the most up to date information, please visit the following resources: