Allergies vs. COVID-19: How to Share the Difference
When sneezing and coughing start, it’s often difficult to determine if you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, a common cold, or COVID-19. Because these conditions share several respiratory symptoms, they can easily be mistaken for one another. However, identifying the specific markers of each can help you determine the necessary next steps for your health.
Key Takeaways: Quick Comparison
- Fever and Body Aches: These are indicative of COVID-19 or respiratory infections, not allergies.
- Itchiness: Itchy eyes, nose and throat are hallmark signs of allergies.
- Timing: Seasonal allergies typically occur at the same time every year, while COVID-19 follows community circulation patterns.
- Confirmation: A positive COVID test is the only definitive way to distinguish a COVID infection from allergies.
Comparing Symptoms: What’s the Difference?
While congestion, runny noses, and coughing are common to all three, certain “clue” symptoms can help narrow down the cause.
Signs of Allergies
Allergies occur when the body overreacts to allergens like mold or pollen, leading to inflammation. Common signs include:
- Runny nose and congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Dry, tickly cough
- Sore throat
- Skin rashes or hives
It’s important to note that while some refer to allergies as “hay fever,” they do not actually cause a fever. If you have a temperature, it isn’t an allergy.
Signs of COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While it shares respiratory symptoms with allergies, it presents with systemic markers that allergies do not:
- Fever: A primary differentiator from allergies.
- Body Aches: Muscle or joint aches are associated with the virus.
- Transmission: It spreads through droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
Symptom Comparison Table
| Symptom | Allergies | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
| Cough | Common (Dry/Tickly) | Common |
| Fever | No | Yes |
| Body Aches | No | Yes |
| Itchy Eyes/Nose | Common | Rare |
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Certain symptoms can be serious regardless of the cause. Severe allergies—especially for those with asthma—and COVID-19 can both cause shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. If you experience trouble breathing, you should call 911 immediately.
Final Verdict: How to Be Sure
Because the overlap in symptoms is so significant, you can’t rely on a symptom checklist alone for a diagnosis. According to GoodRx, the only way to know for sure if your symptoms are caused by a COVID infection rather than allergies is to receive a positive COVID test.