Allergies Have Chronic Symptoms
COVID-19, like the flu or common cold, is an acute illness, meaning people feel fine until symptoms start showing up.
Allergies, on the other hand, are usually chronic, presenting with symptoms off and on for weeks, months, or even years, Dr. David M. Cutler, family medicine physician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Healthline.
Allergies should not cause a fever or body aches, Arthur said. Generally, no cough unless you have a lot of nasal drainage.
Conversely, itchy eyes and facial pain are more typical of allergies than a COVID-19 infection.
Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma.
Allergy symptoms tend to vary with the environment: worsening with exposure to dust, pollen, or animal dander, whereas cold symptoms tend to persist regardless of time of day, weather, locality, or other environmental factors, Cutler said.
Also, as with COVID-19, colds are more likely to have generalized symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches, whereas allergies usually affect only the respiratory tract, Cutler said.
Allergy symptoms tend to improve with antihistamine and other allergy-specific medication, he said. Colds are more likely to respond to decongestants, acetaminophen, fluids, and rest.
The CDC issued guidance on the differences in symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies.
When To See Your Healthcare Provider
Body aches related to allergies can also often be a symptom of cold, flu, or viral infection. Consider visiting your healthcare provider if:
- Your body aches last more than a few days
- You have a temperature of higher than 103 degrees
- You experience persistent nausea or vomiting
- You have pain in the ribs, lungs, or chest
Do You Get Chills With Allergies
Cold symptoms can seem like seasonal allergy symptoms. Flu symptoms usually involve fever, chills, and body aches, however. Seasonal allergies can be caused by tree, grass or weed pollen. They can worsen over time, and you can get new allergies as an adult.
Can you get a low grade fever with allergies?
Can allergies cause fever? According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergies do not cause a fever. If a person is experiencing a fever alongside allergy symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, the likely cause is a sinus infection.
What are signs that you have allergies?
Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from mild to severe. The most common include: sneezing. runny or stuffy nose. watery and itchy eyes. itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals. ear congestion. postnasal drainage.
What kind of symptoms can be caused by allergies?
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis A life-threatening allergic reaction. . Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis Rhinitis Inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose. , can cause: Sneezing. Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth. Runny, stuffy nose. Watery, red or swollen eyes
Can allergy symptoms mimic the flu?
What is the difference between allergies and flu?
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Similarities Between Allergies Colds And Flu
Before we discuss the differences, its a good idea to look at the many things they have in common. That typically begins and ends with the symptoms. These symptoms include a wide range of misery, such as:
The reason you experience all these symptoms with all three maladies is that each one affects the respiratory system. However, if you treat the symptoms with the wrong type of medication, the National Institutes of Health warns, you might get little, if any relief.
In worst case scenarios, you could make the symptoms worse. This is why its so important to know which condition youre suffering from so you can take the right treatment for your condition and get relief. Its also essential to know whether your symptoms affect you and you alone or if you are contagious and could potentially spread your condition to others.
Allergy & Flu Treatment In Connecticut Massachusetts & New York
Whether you have allergies, the flu, or something else entirely, you can turn to PhysicianOne Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment. We operate numerous immediate care centers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, all of which are open 365 days per year with extended hours. to find out whether theres a PhysicianOne Urgent Care near you.
Best of all, our treatment services are available on a walk-in basis, so you wont have to deal with scheduling an appointment ahead of time. Instead, simply stop into one of our locations at a time thats convenient for you. We also have an online check-in option available for individuals who would like to reserve their spot in line, as well as Virtual Visits for those who would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own home.
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Are Body Aches A Symptom Of Allergies
Body aches may be a symptom of seasonal allergies, which are also called allergic rhinitis. This may occur along with more common symptoms as part of a body-wide immune response to allergies.
Some of the reasons for body aches with seasonal allergies include:
- Seasonal allergy symptoms aggravating another condition
Your healthcare provider can help to diagnose the exact reason for your body aches.
When You May Have Symptoms Of The Flu
Like COVID-19, the flu is caused by a virus that spreads from person to person. It can infect the nose, throat and, at times, the lungs.Symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , one key difference between the flu and other ailments including coronavirus is the sudden onset of symptoms. You may feel fine one day and then miserable the next. Whats more, symptoms often affect more than your respiratory tract and mayinclude:
A cold is usuallyless severe than the flu and the symptoms tend to develop gradually. They may last aboutseven to 10 days.
Certainremedies, like staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest, can help ease your symptoms. Over-the-counter pain and cold medicines can help, too. Contact your doctor if your cold lasts longer than 10 days or if your symptoms suddenly worsen.
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You Notice A Seasonal Pattern
If you’re the type of person who knows they get the same cold every March, it might be time to reconsider what the culprit actually is. “If you notice it’s seasonal like clockwork, and every spring or fall you get these symptoms, it might be allergy-related,” Dr. Parikh said.
That holds true even if your seasonal symptoms occur earlier than you might think of as allergy season, Dr. Rosenstreich said. “In the Northeast, for example, most people are not aware of the fact that the trees begin to pollinate even when there’s still snow on the ground. Depending on the weather, people can have allergy symptoms in February.”
Your Primary Care Provider Is Key
Unless you are experiencing a medical emergency, your primary care provider is your first point of contact for medical conditions as well as preventive medicine and annual check-ups and screenings. If you need a primary care provider, click here to learn more about providers who are currently accepting new patients.
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Itchy Eyes Ears Nose And Throat Usually Signals Allergies
Allergies have a significant itch factor. If youre experiencing itchy eyes, ears, nose or throat, its almost certainly allergies. Thats because the same allergens that can cause other symptoms, like sneezing and coughing, can also affect the lining of your eyes. This can lead to dry eyes, triggering redness, itching and burning.
Seasonal Allergies: Occurrence And Symptoms
Seasonal allergies are sometimes referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
In the United States, allergies typically are at their worst during the spring season, when flowers start to bud and trees begin to bloom. In most parts of the country, allergies typically start in February and can last until early in the summer.
Certain factors can influence the intensity and duration of allergy season. For example, milder winter temperatures can lead to early plant pollination. Additionally, a rainy spring can lead to rapid plant growth, ultimately causing an increase in mold and symptoms that can linger into the fall.
Seasonal allergies develop because the bodys immune system has become sensitized and is overreacting to something in the environment that normally does not cause problems in other people. Some of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen and mold.
Some of the most common general allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Joint, back and neck pain
Other factors can influence the severity of allergy symptoms. After a rainfall, pollen counts typically increase. Pollen counts are often higher on warm and windy days. On days with no wind, allergens are typically grounded. High humidity also promotes mold growth. In addition, pollen levels are generally at their highest in morning hours. Certain pollens, such as grass and ragweed, are most prevalent when the nights are cool and the days are warm.
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Should You Get Tested If You Have Covid
Its important not to necessarily discount symptoms, even if theyre mild, said Daniel Solomon, MD, an infectious disease doctor at Brigham and Womens Hospital. If youre experiencing symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19 so that we can guide appropriate treatment and give thoughtful direction about isolation in order to keep everyone around us safe.
Patients can now schedule a COVID-19 test directly in Patient Gateway. Tests can be scheduled for symptoms, exposure, or elective reasons. If you schedule a test, you will see results in Patient Gateway as soon as they are available. Results are available within 48 hours.
Massachusetts has many testing options if you have any of the COVID symptoms listed below. If you live somewhere else, check your state website for resources. You also can use a home testing kit . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about home testing.
Please do not go to the Emergency Department or urgent care only to get a COVID-19 test.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Cold
Cold symptoms come on gradually and are milder than symptoms of the flu. Symptoms commonly include:
Cold symptoms typically last for about a week. However, youre contagious during the first few days, so stay home, get plenty of fluids and be sure to rest.
Most colds are caused by a virus, which antibiotics wont treat. Its best to get plenty of rest, fluids and use over-the-counter medicines to help manage symptoms, says Dr. Ly.
If your symptoms last longer than a week, check with your healthcare provider to rule out an allergy or bacterial infection.
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Allergies Dont Cause Fevers
Unlike the term hay fever, allergies typically dont cause fevers. Colds are much more likely to elevate your body temperature or cause a fever than allergies. However, you could have an allergy flare-up at the same time youre developing an infection.
Allergies dont cause infection but due to the inflammation, swelling and mucus that allergies can cause, this can cause mucus to get trapped in the sinuses and cause bacteria and viruses to grow, Dr. Pero said. This can result in sinus infections.
Allergies Do Not Cause Fevers
People often wonder if allergies can cause a fever. The answer is no. Allergies cannot cause a fever, though you could have an allergy flare-up at the same time youre experiencing a fever from an infection. For example, since allergies tend to cause stuffy noses, theyre also considered risk factors for sinus infections. Sinus infections happen when mucus gets trapped in the sinuses, allowing bacteria or viruses to grow.
With a cold, your temperature can run warmer, but typically it will be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Allergy Symptoms And Treatment
An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to substances such as pet dander, pollen, or certain foods. Unlike colds, flu or COVID-19, allergies are not caused by a virus and are not contagious.
The symptoms of an allergy are like those of the common cold:
- sinus congestion
While the symptoms are similar, the watery, itchy eyes are often associated more with allergies. Unlike viral infections, allergies rarely cause fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, or aches and pains. If you are experiencing any of these, it is more likely a viral infection and not an allergy.
Treatment for allergies range from over-the-counter medications to a series of shots. If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, speak with your doctor. It is important to identify allergens that trigger a reaction so you can avoid them and know how to manage your symptoms in the future.
When You May Have Covid
First, its important to note that being unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated increases your risk of infection and symptoms.
Coronavirus variants tend to have similar symptoms, but there are some notable differences, and the severity of symptoms is unique to each person.
Most common symptoms:
- Loss of taste or smell
- Rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Loss of speech or movement
These symptoms typically develop between two to five daysafter a person is exposed to the virus, and they typically last a few days to a few weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
Coronavirus symptoms mostly affect the respiratory tract the omicron variant affects the upper respiratory tract, in particular. Many people seem to have onlyminor symptoms, while others may develop a severe illness.
If you think you or a loved one may have coronavirus, contact your doctor right away. If you see a doctor who is not your primary care physician, let them know your vaccination status and if you are older than age 65 or have any underlying health conditions that may put you at risk for severe symptoms. These include:
- Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- HIV and other diseases causing a weakened immune system
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How To Differentiate Between A Cold Flu And Allergies
Mother Nature has been doing her best to give North Texans a case of whiplash this winter by alternating weeks of cool and warm temperatures over the past few months. More time spent indoors due to lower temperatures means more togetherness, which also often leads to the spread of bacteria and viruses.
When you first start noticing a sore throat, congestion and a runny nose, how do you know what youre dealing with? We reached out to Todd Richwine, D.O., family medicine specialist and physician on the medical staffs at Texas Health Southwest Fort Worth and Texas Health Family Care Clearfork, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice, for advice on how to recognize the telltale signs of a cold, the flu and allergies.
Typically, the flu has a sudden onset and youll experience high or at least moderate fever and frequent body or muscle aches. Chills, fatigue and headaches are common, he explains. Colds typically come on slowly, meaning there is a gradual progression of symptoms and people go from wondering if they are getting sick to progressing to where they know they are. I often hear patients say they felt normal and then were suddenly sick with the flu, while it is a very gradual progression with the common cold.
With colds, fever is rare , aches are mild and chills are uncommon. There typically is more congestion, sneezing and sore throat with a cold, and headaches are rare.
Richwine has a few tips for knowing when to head to the doctor.
Can U Get Covid Twice
PHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus. Researchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.
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How To Prevent A Cold Flu And Covid
For most people, having a cold, the flu or COVID doesnt require a trip to the emergency room. Most symptoms resolve after some much-needed rest, but that isnt always the case.
To decrease your chances of catching a cold, flu or COVID, remember to wash your hands frequently. Washing with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds can help get rid of the germs on your skin.
Avoid contact with people who are sick. And if you become sick, stay home to keep from infecting others.Remember, the best way to prevent the flu and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated, says Dr. Ly. The symptoms may be similar and having both viruses at one is possible. This is something youll want to avoid, especially older adults, young children and those with certain medical conditions.
