Health Beat

When Covid-19 first arrived and before masks were worn, I was shopping in a store and began to cough. I knew it was an allergic reaction to a scent in the air, but the looks I got! I felt as if I needed to be wearing a sign that said ‘allergic reaction, stand down’. I joked with the people standing in line with me waiting to check out. We laughed and they agreed about the concern when upper-respiratory symptoms are exhibited in public. Now, a year later, we are wearing masks, but I’m sure a sneezing or coughing attack will still attract attention. So, as we enter the sneezin’ season of spring allergies, how to discern between allergies and COVID-19, because there are crossover symptoms? As the Mayo Clinic notes, cough, usually dry, is common with COVID-19, but only sometimes with allergies. Fever, muscle aches, and itchy nose, eyes, mouth, or inner ear are common with allergies, but don’t occur with COVID-19. Sneezing is rare with COVID-19, but usual with allergies. Sore throat, yes with COVID-19, rare with allergies. Stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur with COVID-19, but not with allergies. And then the classic COVID-19 symptoms, new loss of taste or smell, but sometimes you can experience those symptoms with allergies. I know I’ll be sneezing, my eyes will be itchy, and I may cough as the spring unfolds. I’ve been vaccinated, so I won’t worry greatly about the novel coronavirus, but, as always, any concerns, the doctor is just a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your physician, because safe always beats sorry.

Benita Zahn, Dps-bioethics 518-207-4820 / Bzahn@wnyt.com Facebook.com/benitazahn Instagram.com/benitatv13

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