A number of bacteria, viruses, andallergenscan cause respiratory symptoms.
Reactions like coughing or sneezing are the bodys natural way of propelling bad things out.
Instead, you must rely on other symptoms and tests to tell the difference.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Viruses dont just affect your respiratory system.
Where Does COVID Fit In?
Nasal congestion and sneezing can happen with the flu and COVID-19, but are more common with respiratory allergies.
Fevers almost never occur with allergies, but are common with the flu and COVID.
Many people infected with COVID develop a loss of taste or smell.
COVID can also develop with no symptoms at all.
Allergens can be any foreign substance that the body has an unusual reaction to.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of any of these conditions begins with an assessment of your symptoms.
Diagnosis of the Flu
The flu may be diagnosed in many cases by symptoms alone.
Both types of test use a swab to sample secretions in your nose or throat.
Some tests can identify the exact strain of the influenza virus that is causing your infection.
What Tests Are Performed to Diagnose COVID?
Like flu tests, swab tests done in the nose or throat can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Some are rapid tests, while others are sent to labs.
There are even home-testing options available.Some require a nasal sample, while others require a saliva sample.
Diagnosis of Allergies
Allergies are best diagnosed and managed by your healthcare provider, preferably anallergist.
Diagnosis involves a thorough personal and family history, as well as a physical exam.
To get the most exact diagnosis, your doctor will perform askin prick or blood test.
Blood testing uses a small amount of blood drawn in a laboratory to test for antibodies to specific antigens.
Treatment
Treating the flu and COVID involves similar tactics.
Like most viruses, treating these infections focuses more on managing symptoms.
This includes people over the age of 65 or those with weak immune systems.
Treatment of Allergies
The key to treating allergies is to reduce your exposure.
The benefit of a specific allergy diagnosis is that you will find out what triggers your allergies.
you could follow your localpollencounts or avoid things like particular animals that could cause an allergic reaction.
It can also be helpful for preventing the flu.
While you cant really prevent allergies, you could give a shot to keep them at bay.
This is why a number of tests have been developed to help accurately diagnose these conditions.
Having a diagnosis will help you find a treatment that works best for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does COVID make you sneeze?
COVID can make you sneeze, but sneezing is more common with allergies than with viral infections like COVID.
Can you use cold and flu medicine for allergies?
Are COVID symptoms different from allergies?
Can you have a fever with allergies?
Allergies really never cause fevers.
National Institutes of Health.Cold, flu, or allergy?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Hay fever.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Fever.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Common cold.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of influenza viruses.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Overview of testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy habits to help protect against flu.
