Fall Allergies vs COVID-19: Know the Difference

Everyone's always so excited for fall until the allergies hit.

I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I am STRUGGLING right now. My allergies are back in a BIG way this year. My fall allergies are always worse than my spring allergies, so now it's even harder to hold in a cough or sniffle so that people don't automatically assume I've got the 'rona.

When my allergies first reared their ugly head last week, I must admit I was nervous for about a day. Then, I realized what time of year it is and was knocked back into reality. I'm super careful when I'm out and about to practice all CDC guidelines so that I don't catch the virus. Even so, when my allergies hit, I couldn't help but worry a little. Can you blame me? In these times, you sure CAN'T.

So, of course I turned to Google to see what I could find about the differences between seasonal allergies and COVID-19. The CDC's official website actually has a whole section dedicated to the topic. The most obvious way to tell whether or not your just suffering from fall allergies or have come down with COVID-19 is a fever. Allergies aren't normally accompanied by a fever, so no need to worry unless your temperature spikes.

Brace yourselves, because I'm about to get graphic for a second...

Let's talk about poop.

via GIPHY

Told ya - *graphic*. Bear with me, though. A common symptom of COVID-19 is diarrhea. Are you experiencing some bowel issues that are out the ordinary for you personally? If not and you aren't experiencing fevers, then so far, so good.

via GIPHY

You're coughing, you've got a runny nose, you're a bit congested. While those are symptoms of BOTH fall allergies and COVID-19, if you've also been sneezing a lot and have to constantly rub your eyes, then breathe (*as best you can*) - it's just your allergies.

COVID-19 symptoms usually include body and muscle aches, too. If you're anything like me, then your allergies probably do make you fatigued and craving a nap all day, but your body isn't aching all over. Don't get me wrong, I DO NOT feel my absolute best at the moment, however these symptoms sneak up on me every year at this time like clockwork.

If you know your allergy symptoms well enough to be able to separate whether or not something is out of the ordinary for you, then you shouldn't worry too much. Easier said than done, I know. Battle through allergy season as best you can and if you start to experience an abnormal symptom, then look into it.

As for me, I'll be the one over hear downing Zyrtec and popping cough drops like Tic Tacs for the next few weeks. Stay healthy!

Source: CDC.gov