More people than ever have allergies.
Upwards of 50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies and statistics show it's the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
COVID is no longer the severe threat it was five years ago, but it’s still around and probably here to stay. That can make it difficult to tell the difference between typical allergy symptoms and something more serious.
But there's no reason to panic, said Dr. Puja Rajani, an allergist at Novant Health Pediatric Allergy & Immunology. Rajani explained a few key differences in symptoms between seasonal allergies and the COVID-19 virus.
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1. Fever
Fever is one of the biggest differentiators between the two, Rajani said. COVID can cause a fever; seasonal allergies cannot.
If you have a known history of allergies, consider this: If you do not have a fever, “try a stepwise approach with using your usual treatments, such as long-acting antihistamines or nasal sprays,” Rajani said.
2. Itchiness
Another major distinction is that allergies will often come with some level of itchiness. Itchy or watery eyes are common signs of allergies, Rajani said. “If you’re itchy, it’s more likely to be allergies than COVID, although COVID has caused some rashes – which may itch – for a small percentage of patients.”
Alternatively, someone with COVID may experience symptoms such as:
- Fever.
- Dry cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- New loss of taste or smell.
COVID symptoms have evolved as new variants have emerged. The loss of taste and smell so common early in the pandemic has lessened, although Aliza Hekman said “that can still be a notable symptom with some new variants.” Hekman is a physician assistant (PA) and Novant Health medical director for infection prevention in the Triad. Up until recently, she said, symptoms have been milder – more like what you’d experience with the common cold.
In 2021, the most prevalent strain of COVID was the Omicron variant, Hekman said. Today, the most prevalent variants are LP 8.1 and XEC – not exactly household names. “The newer variants have not proven to be more severe,” Hekman said. “If anything, we’re seeing a lot fewer hospitalizations with the newer variants.”
Subvariants of Omicron are still circulating. But Hekman said, “They’re far less likely to send someone to the hospital than they were a couple of years ago.”
Although COVID isn’t as common or as severe as it once was, staying current on vaccinations is still advised. Anyone 6 months and older should consider getting the most recent (2024-25) vaccine, Hekman said. “There may be nuances for the elderly and the immunocompromised,” she said. “If you fall into one of those categories, ask your doctor or other provider if you need more protection.”
3. Sore throat or body aches
A sore throat or body aches could be an indication it’s something more serious.
"A quick onset of aches and pains, fatigue, exhaustion or weakness is unlikely with allergies,” Rajani said. “While allergies can cause fatigue, it is usually very gradual, not ‘hitting you like a ton of bricks’ as has been described with viral infections.”
4. Mucus (Hint: The color matters)
“In 2020 and 2021, we told patients that if they were producing mucus, it was likely allergies, a cold or the flu and not COVID,” Rajani said. “But COVID has evolved to include more nasal, and sometimes even GI, symptoms. If you are producing clear discharge, it’s more likely to be allergies. But mucus could be a sign of any viral infection, including flu and COVID.”
