Allergies occur when the immune system reacts negatively to substances that are typically harmless, such as pollen or dust. These immune responses often lead to a runny nose and nasal congestion; however, interestingly, they usually do not cause a fever, which is a common symptom of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) [1]. While there can be some overlap in symptoms, such as coughing and fatigue, there are key differences between allergies and COVID-19 that are critical for diagnosis and management.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has reported that COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe and, in certain cases, can be fatal. The incubation period—the time it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure—can be anywhere from 2 to 14 days. Here's a list of symptoms that might develop:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Body aches.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- Sore throat.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), spreads through close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person—such as when they cough, sneeze, or even talk. To stay safe, wash your hands often, maintain physical distance from others, and wear a cloth face covering in public [2].
Symptoms of Allergies
Allergy symptoms can also vary from mild to severe and may occur seasonally. Here are some common symptoms:
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Nasal congestion.
- Itchy and watery eyes.
- Itchy throat.
- Ear congestion.
- Post-nasal drainage.
Less common allergy symptoms can include:
- Headache.
- Wheezing.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Coughing.
Unlike viral infections, allergies are not contagious. The good news is that there are medications available to help manage your symptoms, and immunotherapy can effectively prevent future allergic reactions [3].
Key Differences Between Allergies and COVID-19:
Understanding the differences between these two conditions can be crucial for effective management and treatment. For instance, allergic diseases have been shown to aggravate the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that individuals with pre-existing allergies may experience more severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19 [2]. Additionally, while both conditions can cause respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 often includes systemic symptoms such as fever and body aches, which are not typical of allergies.
References:
- Antonella Cianferoni, Martina Votto. COVID-19 and allergy: How to take care of allergic patients during a pandemic?. PubMed. 2020.
- Huishan Zhang, Jilei Lin, Jinhong Wu, Jing Zhang, Lei Zhang, Shuhua Yuan, Jiande Chen, Qiuyu Tang, Ailian Zhang, Yuxia Cui, Xiaojuan Xu, Hongxie Dai, Hongbo Shi, Xiaowei Hu, Dan Xie, Jing Chen, Fengquan He, Yong Yin. Allergic diseases aggravate the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in China.. PubMed. 2023.
- L S Li, K Guan. [Influence of the severity and treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma on SARS-CoV-2 infection].. PubMed. 2023.
- Sumito Inoue, Akira Igarashi, Keita Morikane, Osamu Hachiya, Masafumi Watanabe, Seiji Kakehata, Shinya Sato, Yoshiyuki Ueno. Adverse reactions to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in medical staff with a history of allergy.. PubMed. 2022.
- Inés V Chavarría-Bencomo, Carlos Chavez-Trillo, Monica G López-Quiñonez, Jaime R Adame-Gallegos, Sandra Zurawski, Gerardo P Espino-Solis, Gerard Zurawski. Monitoring humoral responses against three SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in a university population from Chihuahua, Mexico.. PubMed. 2024.