How to Tell the Difference Between Allergies & the Delta Variant of COVID-19

In this day and age, and especially this time of year, it can be difficult to tell whether that runny nose and cough you’re experiencing are due to allergies or the new COVID-19 variant. Below is a guide to help you determine which you’re likely suffering from and what your next steps should be.

Symptoms of Allergies

During a mild allergic reaction, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Congestion or runny nose
• Cough caused by postnasal drip
• Rash or hives

During a more severe reaction, like anaphylaxis, you could experience worse symptoms, like:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Shortness of breath, trouble breathing or wheezing
• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Stomach pain, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea
• Sense of “impending doom”

Symptoms of COVID-19

The list of symptoms for COVID-19 is ever-growing as we learn more about the virus and as variants begin to emerge. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following as the primary symptoms of COVID:

• Fever or chills.
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

How to Tell the Difference Between Allergies & COVID

First, you should compare your symptoms to those listed above. Most likely, you’re exhibiting symptoms from both lists. Here are some telltale signs to help you uncover which you’re likely experiencing:

• If you have eye-related symptoms, you most likely have allergies.
• If you have a fever, chills or body aches, you most likely have COVID-19.
• If your cough is due to postnasal drip, it’s probably from allergies, but if it feels dry, it may be from COVID.

Note that it’s possible to have both COVID-19 and allergies at the same time.

What to Do Next

If you suspect your symptoms are due to COVID, it’s important to self-isolate until you can be tested at a Philadelphia COVID-19 testing site.

If COVID-19 has been ruled out and you’re still having symptoms, you may be suffering from allergies. Visit an expert allergist to discuss your treatment options.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Pinnacle ENT Associates today.