The difference between allergy and coronavirus

Symptoms of allergies, flu, coronavirus or a cold, in the early stages, can be similar so care must be taken to understand the difference.

With the arrival of spring, people are affected by seasonal allergies, so below you will find a summary of information on the difference between allergies and COVID-19.

Allergy symptoms are more localized

The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies are concentrated in the eye, nose, and head area. Meanwhile, the coronavirus affects the lower respiratory tract.

If you have allergies, you may have a runny nose and sneezing, but it's hard to cope with a sore throat, cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or muscle aches.

If you don't have asthma problems, allergies don't cause breathing problems, an important difference when compared to COVID-19.

Allergy symptoms are mild and recurring

If you experience the same symptoms year after year, chances are you have seasonal allergies. Allergies can make you feel tired and weak, but they don't mean you should stay in bed.

The symptoms of the coronavirus may worsen

The main difference at this point is difficulty breathing, a fever that does not go down despite medication, and muscle problems and cough.

COVID-19

Main symptoms:

- cough
- temperature
- breathing difficulties
- fatigue

Rarer symptoms:

– fever
- headache
– loss of ability to taste or smell
– muscle pain
– throat problems
– runny nose
– vomiting or diarrhoea

Seasonal flu

Main symptoms:

– temperature or fever
- cough
– muscle pain
- headache
- fatigue

Rarer symptoms:

– sneezing
– sore throat
– runny nose or blocked nose
- vomiting
- diarrhea

Cold

Main symptoms:

– sneezing
– blocked noses
– sore throat
- pain in the chest
- cough

Rarer symptoms:

- fatigue
- body aches

Seasonal allergy

Main symptoms:

– runny nose and/or blocked nose
– irritated eyes, mouth or skin
– sneezing

Rarer symptoms:

- difficulty breathing
– shortness of breath
- fatigue due to insomnia