News Flash

For Immediate Release

09/14/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Allergies or COVID-19?

How to Tell the Difference

In today’s world, with every sneeze, cough or tickle in the throat, many people wonder: Do I have COVID-19? For the millions of allergy suffers around the country, this question becomes a little more complex — allergies or COVID-19, or perhaps something else? The following information may help you tell if you are suffering from allergies or if you should  get tested for COVID-19.

ALLERGIES

Allergy symptoms range from mild to severe and can occur seasonally or be present year-long. In patients with asthma, allergies can cause a cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath. Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to normal things in your environment — such as pollen, dust, mold, pet dander. Medications can typically treat your symptoms and allergy immunotherapy — allergy shots — can often help patients find long-term relief.

COMMON ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy nose or ears
• Post-nasal drip (which can sometimes cause a mild sore throat)
• Mild fatigue

COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral illness spread through droplets via coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. Symptoms typically start between 2-14 days after exposure and will typically resolve within ~14 days after onset, whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe.

COMMON COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Intense fatigue, body aches
• Loss of smell

KEY POINTS TO DETERMINE ALLERGIES OR COVID-19 INFECTION
1) Timeline and past history…

• Often people with allergies have a history of seasonal allergies.
• Allergy symptoms tend to be more long-lasting than viral symptoms.

2) Allergy symptoms often respond to allergy medications.
3) Allergies typically make people itchy. Itchiness is not a symptom of viral illness.
4) Patients with allergies do not develop a fever. Often people with COVID-19 do.
5) Patients with allergies may also have asthma, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and/or wheezing. COVID-19 typically does not cause wheezing.

ALLERGIES OR COVID-19 CHECKLIST

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Contact:
TJ Brown
704-216-8918
tj.brown@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - September 14, 2020 (PDF)