Find A DoctorAllergy vs COVID-19
Allergies and virus infections share symptoms. In the past if you experienced a runny or stuffy nose you may have thought that you had the common cold or allergies. The same with a cough. But due to the worldwide spread of a new coronavirus, our minds now most often turn to this whenever we get a cough or sniffles. It can all be rather headache inducing – a symptom of both allergy and COVID-19
In this article we’ll look at allergy vs COVID-19; the key similarities and differences between the two.
What are the similarities between symptoms of allergy vs COVID-19?
The following symptoms may look very familiar if you have allergies. They’re also possible symptoms of coronavirus:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
You might also experience:
- Tiredness
- Headaches
Even if you think allergies are the cause of your symptoms you should still speak to your healthcare provider. We understand knowing what to do can be confusing because there’s an overlap of symptoms. But learning how symptoms differ can help with this, which is what we explain next.
Allergy symptoms vs COVID-19 symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms may be mistaken for symptoms of hay fever, other respiratory illnesses or the common cold. It can be difficult to tell the difference. This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 but here are some key signs to look for. Keep up to date via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
| Symptoms | Hay fever |
|---|---|
Typical symptoms timescale |
Several weeks |
Runny or stuffy nose |
Common |
Cough |
Rare (usually dry unless it triggers lower respiratory symptoms) |
Watery eyes |
Common |
Itchy eyes |
Common |
Difficulty breathing / Shortness of breath |
Only if it triggers lower respiratory symptoms |
Chest tightness |
Only if it triggers lower respiratory symptoms |
Wheezing |
Only if it triggers lower respiratory symptoms |
Fast breathing (Tachypnea) |
Only if it triggers lower respiratory symptoms |
Tiredness |
Sometimes |
Headaches |
Sometimes (related to sinus congestion and facial pain) |
Fever |
No |
Sore throat |
Sometimes (usually mild) |
Sneezing |
Common |
Diarrhea |
No |
Feeling or being sick |
No |
Body aches |
No |
Chills |
No |
New loss of taste or smell |
Sometimes (related to nasal congestion) |
| Symptoms | COVID-19 |
|---|---|
Typical symptoms timescale |
One to three weeks – but symptoms can linger |
Runny or stuffy nose |
Common |
Cough |
Common (usually dry) |
Watery eyes |
Not usually (unless associated with conjunctivitis) |
Itchy eyes |
Not usually (unless associated with conjunctivitis) |
Difficulty breathing / Shortness of breath |
Common |
Chest tightness |
Sometimes |
Wheezing |
No |
Fast breathing (Tachypnea) |
Rare |
Tiredness |
Common |
Headaches |
Common |
Fever |
Common |
Sore throat |
Common |
Sneezing |
Manchmal |
Diarrhea |
Common |
Feeling or being sick |
Common |
Body aches |
Common |
Chills |
Common |
New loss of taste or smell |
Common (often without a runny or stuffy nose) |
What are the main differences between the symptoms of allergy vs COVID-19?
Allergies can trigger lower respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath, chest tightness and fast breathing. COVID-19 is associated with shortness of breath on its own.
COVID-19 can trigger a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms can worsen suddenly after several days of feeling unwell. Speak to your healthcare provider because your symptoms can worsen over a short period of time.
Allergy symptoms tend to continue or worsen over time from continued exposure to allergens like mold spores. Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your healthcare provider or a health facility.
Seasonal allergies typically happen around the same time every year. They usually coincide with pollen or mold allergy season and may last for several weeks. Allergy medications may help to ease common allergy symptoms but they do not or only have a limited effect on COVID-19 symptoms.
Are allergies contagious like COVID-19?
Allergies are triggered by your immune system overreacting to something it thinks is a threat. Airborne allergens, such as pollen or house dust mites, typically cause cold-like symptoms, which usually appear soon after exposure.
It’s not clear why some people develop allergies and others don’t. Some people have a family history of allergy, which suggests it could be passed down through genes. Either way, you can’t contract allergies in the same way you can contract COVID-19. Allergies are not contagious.
What’s COVID-19 then?
COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, which is called SARS-CoV-2. It started spreading worldwide in December 2019. Unlike allergy it poses an actual threat to your immune system. Symptoms may appear from two days up to two weeks after exposure.
What are seasonal allergies?
Those with severe underlying health conditions may be at greater risk of developing serious complications. Because COVID-19 is highly transferable from person to person, social distancing and use of face coverings can help with disease control.
Can you have allergies and COVID-19 at the same time?
Yes, you can have allergies and COVID-19 at the same time. And allergies that cause mild to severe lower respiratory symptoms could put you at risk of serious illness from COVID-19. While allergies don’t increase your risk of getting COVID-19, you should try to keep any chronic lower respiratory symptoms under control as much as possible. This can help prevent serious complications from developing if you do catch it.
Can you take the COVID-19 vaccine if you have allergies?
Severe allergic reactions to vaccines are rare but they can happen. Tell your healthcare provider if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction including anaphylaxis.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to any vaccine other than COVID-19 you may still be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, your healthcare provider may refer you to an allergist for advice first.
Allergy treatment vs COVID-19 risk
Treatments for allergies and lower respiratory symptoms generally shouldn’t increase your COVID-19 risk.
The following treatments (available as over-the-counter or with prescription) may help with allergy symptoms:
- Antihistamines: These help to block histamine. They are available as tablets, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops and creams.
- Corticosteroids: These medicines are lab-made copies of steroids. Steroids are produced by the body to reduce inflammation. Nasal steroid sprays are a go-to option for nasal symptoms like a runny nose, particularly if they’re persistent.
- Leukotriene modifiers: An alternative treatment for chronic chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath. They come as tablets.
Discuss with your healthcare provider which treatment may be right for you.
Living with allergy symptoms vs COVID-19
Masks can be worn as a disease control measure for COVID-19 but they also have a function for allergies. Studies show that wearing a face mask may reduce hay fever symptoms such as a runny nose or watery eyes. Nevertheless, it’s important to look out for rosacea flares around the chin, cheeks or jaw if you have a pre-existing skin condition. This could be due to wearing the mask for a very long time or using the wrong type of mask for your skin.
Handwashing with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But it may worsen skin allergy symptoms like those associated with atopic or contact dermatitis. Additionally, during a flare up you may be at risk of infection due to breaking the skin.
To look after your hands during periods of frequent washing, use a moisturizer after rinsing. Also, soap is typically less drying than hand sanitizer, so could be a better option for those with sensitive skin. Finishing with moisturizing promotes skin barrier repair, as it helps prevent your hands from drying out too quickly.
Keep in mind, skin allergies can be triggered by chemicals in soap, hand sanitizer and other everyday cleaning products. So try to use fragrance-free alternatives without preservatives.