How can you tell the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies?

Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or seasonal allergies? Also, while COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seasonal allergies don't usually cause these symptoms unless you have a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by pollen exposure.

What are some of the possible differences between allergy symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms?

Symptoms that are typically indicative of Covid-19 (but not allergies) include fever, body aches, and loss of smell or taste. In addition, Covid-19 patients are also more likely to feel short of breath, while those with seasonal allergies will not usually experience this symptom unless they also have asthma.

Can sneezing be a symptom of COVID-19?

While sneezing and coughing may not always be linked to a serious illness, they can be symptoms of the flu and COVID-19. Protect others around you by practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.

What are some of the first symptoms of COVID-19?

Early symptoms reported by some people include fatigue, headache, sore throat or fever. Others experience a loss of smell or taste. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.

Can you have allergies and COVID-19 at the same time?

You can have allergies and a viral infection at the same time. If you have classic allergy signs like itchy eyes and a runny nose along with COVID-19 symptoms like fatigue and a fever, call your doctor.

Here's What I Learned From Getting COVID

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Is there a way to determine if you have sinusitis or COVID-19?

Typically the loss of sense of smell associated with a sinus infection is going to be accompanied by more significant symptoms such as facial pain/pressure. COVID-19 symptoms tend to have more fatigue, cough and shortness of breath.

What do I do if I have mild symptoms of COVID-19?

If you have milder symptoms like a fever, shortness of breath, or coughing: Stay home unless you need medical care. If you do need to go in, call your doctor or hospital first for guidance. Tell your doctor about your illness.

Is it possible to have COVID-19 without a cough?

You can be infected with the coronavirus and not have a cough. If you do have one, it may be mild and infrequent, or you may cough heavily at times. Remember that it is possible to have COVID-19 with minimal symptoms or even no symptoms at all.

How many days can the COVID-19 symptoms last?

How long do COVID symptoms last? Those with a mild case of COVID-19 usually recover in one to two weeks. For severe cases, recovery can take six weeks or more, and for some, there may be lasting symptoms with or without damage to the heart, kidneys, lungs and brain.

How serious are the symptoms of COVID-19?

According to the CDC, reported COVID-19 illnesses have ranged from mild (with no reported symptoms in some cases) to severe to the point of requiring hospitalization, intensive care, and/or a ventilator. In some cases, COVID-19 illnesses can lead to death.

What recommendations are there for when you sneeze or cough during COVID-19 pandemic?

• If you are wearing a mask: You can cough or sneeze into your mask. Put on a new, clean mask as
soon as possible and wash your hands.
• If you are not wearing a mask:
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of
your elbow and do not spit.

What is the CDC recommendations on sneezing etiqutte during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Cover coughs and sneezes using an elbow or a tissue when not wearing a mask. Dispose of the tissue and clean hands immediately either with soap and water or a hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol.

Are rashes a symptom of the coronavirus disease?

Dr. Choi says it’s actually quite common for people to get rashes when they’re battling this type of infection, especially viral respiratory ones.

“It’s not uncommon for someone to have a viral infection and have a rash or blotchy areas on their body. This can happen with other viral respiratory infections like measles. And sometimes, antibiotics might cause skin rashes,” says Dr. Choi. But at this time, there is no specific rash pattern that’s associated with COVID-19.

How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

What are some of the most common symptoms of the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

The four most common symptoms of the omicron variant are cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose, according to a CDC analysis of the first 43 cases investigated in the U.S. The CDC's list of COVID-19 symptoms includes fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting.

Is it possible to have COVID-19 if I only have a sore throat?

Although rare, COVID-19 may present with only sore throat in about 5%-10% of cases. COVID-19-related sore throat is relatively mild and lasts no more than 4-5 days.

How accurate are home COVID-19 tests?

Even though demand for COVID-19 tests greatly overwhelmed supply earlier in the pandemic, rapid home tests are more available today. While home tests provide a quick, accurate result, the flip side is that many test results are no longer reported to health authorities.

What are COVID-19 toes?

Erythema pernio, known as chilblains, have been frequently reported in younger individuals with mild COVID-19 to the extent that they have earned the moniker “COVID toes.” However, the reason behind their development is not yet apparent.

Can I stay at home to recover if I have only mild symptoms of COVID-19?

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

How long do I need to stay in isolation if I have symptoms of COVID-19 but my symptoms are better?

If you continue to have fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved.

How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

Fortunately, people who have mild to moderate symptoms typically recover in a few days or weeks.

What type headache do you get with COVID-19?

It is presenting mostly as a whole-head, severe-pressure pain. It's different than migraine, which by definition is unilateral throbbing with sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea. COVID headaches present more as a whole-head pressure.

Can a lingering headache be a symptom of COVID-19?

While loss of taste and smell are among the most publicized symptoms of COVID-19, headaches are also among the early symptoms. Often, those headache effects can linger.

Should I take a decongestant if I have COVID-19?

Over-the-counter cold medications will not make COVID-19 go away faster, but they can help if you're coughing, have a sore throat, or have nasal congestion (a stuffy nose). Do not use a decongestant if you have high blood pressure.