Spring season is here and, for several of us, that also means allergy season. Right now, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you may be experiencing a cold, COVID, or allergies with the change of season.
A safe way to check before spending time with friends or loved ones is to take a COVID-19 test. To look for locations that offer COVID-19 testing, please visit our site at https://skagitcountywa.gov/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusTESTsites.htm. To identify common symptoms, here are some key differences between COVID and seasonal allergies.
Differences
Seasonal Allergies Symptoms
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Headache
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (if you have asthma)
- Fatigue (mild)
- Sore throat
- Wet cough
- Snoring
Common Symptoms
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
COVID-19 Symptoms
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Different types of skin rashes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Sneezing
As you can see, allergies and COVID-19 share several common symptoms. Even though they look similar, there are some distinctions. If you are not sure if you’re suffering from allergies or COVID, please seek out a COVID-19 test to avoid potentially spreading the virus to others.
When to seek emergency care
If you or someone you know is experiencing trouble breathing, persistent chest pain (pressure in the chest), and skin is looking pale, gray, or blue-colored, please seek medical care right away.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms mentioned above, please feel free to visit us at our COVID-19 Test Site located at the Burlington Cascade Mall for a free COVID-19 rapid antigen test. If you test positive for COVID-19 at home, please stay home and contact your provider. Make sure to monitor and watch for symptoms. For more information check out the CDC website.
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