The two have several overlapping symptoms, such as headache and runny nose.
But there are some differences, too.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
Symptoms of Allergies vs. COVID-19
Allergies and COVID-19 do have some overlapping symptoms.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
These can include:
The presence of other symptoms may be what helps you sort one from the other.
Likewise, itchy eyes and nose are allergy symptoms, but not COVID-19 symptoms.
That said, you don’t have to have every possible symptom to suspect COVID-19 or allergies.
Both can present with just a single symptom (like a runny nose).
Paying attention to subtle differences in overlapping symptoms may also help you distinguish allergies from COVID-19.
For example, with allergies, nasal discharge tends to be clear and fatigue is mild.
On the other hand, viral infections like COVID-19 tend to produce thicker nasal secretions.
Also, fatigue may be intense.
In addition, allergy coughs often result from irritation and discharge.
As such, they are “wet” and productive.
With COVID-19, the cough is dry.
Allergy symptoms can appear soon after contact with the offendingallergen, such as mold or pollen.
Symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Early detection can help prevent you from spreading the virus.
The CDC suggests testing to help inform what to do next if you develop symptoms.
Rapid testsare available over the counter.
These tests look for the virus’s proteins in your nose and provide results in 15 to 30 minutes.
Polymer chain reaction (PCR) testslook for the virus’s genetic material in your nose.
you’ve got the option to get one done at a pharmacy or health clinic.
These results usually take 24 hours or more.
This is especially true if you test too early.
Get adequate rest, fluids, and watch your symptoms closely during that time.
you might also ask a healthcare provider if you should be prescribed an antiviral medication for COVID-19, likePaxlovid.
Sometimes allergies result in a severe, life-threatening reaction, calledanaphylaxis.
If you are concerned, seek medical care right away.
Summary
Allergies and COVID-19 share some overlapping symptoms.
However, even among shared symptoms, there are some distinctions.
For example, both may present with a cough and fatigue.
In addition, some symptoms of each are not present in the other.
For instance, common allergy symptoms not associated with COVID-19 include itching and watery eyes.
For many people, allergy symptoms respond well toantihistamines.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed.
As new research becomes available, well update this article.
For the latest on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
World Health Organization.Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hay fever/rhinitis.
2021;290(2):451-461. doi: 10.1111/joim.13209
Nemours.Seasonal allergies (hay fever).
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Variants of the Virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When Youre Sick.
Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Coronavirus and the nervous system.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Allergic Reactions after COVID-19 Vaccination.
