COVID-19 and Allergies Questions and Answers

As allergies are actually an overreaction of the immune system and not the result of a compromised one, people with allergies are not typically at higher risk for contracting COVID-19.

However, people with moderate to severe degrees of asthma tend to be in a higher-risk group for viral infections, particularly if the asthma is not well managed. This is a good time to review the way you are managing your allergies, and if necessary, your asthma. It is recommended to meet with your doctor to go over the ways you are managing your condition and make any modifications if necessary.

Seasonal allergies are caused by allergens in the air and typically last as long as the allergens remain airborne. This is usually around two to three weeks per allergen. Symptoms of seasonal allergies occur seasonally and 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

Less Common Symptoms Include:

– Headache
– Shortness of breath
– Wheezing
– Coughing

Allergies are not contagious and are caused by a response in the immune system. Medications can treat allergy symptoms, and immunotherapy can help find relief.

In the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, symptoms range from mild to moderate and last around two to four weeks. Two days to two weeks (2-14 days) after exposure, the following symptoms may appear:

– Fever
– Cough
– Shortness of breath
– Fatigue
– Congestion or runny nose
– Muscle or body aches
– Headache
– New loss of taste or smell
– Nausea or vomiting
– Sore throat
– Diarrhea

Coronavirus is spread through droplets of moisture in the air from coughing and sneezing, and can also be contracted via contact with a contaminated surface. To prevent the spread of the virus, it is recommended to follow the guidelines of the CDC and your local health department.

There are several common symptoms that COVID-19 and allergies both share. The most commonly shared symptoms are sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose, as both allergies and COVID-19 usually produce these symptoms.

Other common symptoms include:

– Muscle aches — Common with COVID-19, sometimes with allergies
– Tiredness — Common with COVID-19, sometimes with allergies
– Sore throat — Common with COVID-19 and with allergies
– Cough — Common with COVID-19, sometimes with allergies
– Fever — Common with COVID-19, sometimes with allergies
– New loss of taste or smell — Common with COVID-19 often without a runny or stuffy nose, sometimes with allergies, especially with a stuffy nose

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

If you or someone you know has allergies and is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, come to Allergy & Asthma Center today. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating allergies and complications due to COVID-19 and can help you find relief. For more information about our allergies treatment, call our office and get in touch with a member of our specialist team. To book an appointment with our allergy specialist, visit our website or speak with us over the phone today.