Here’s how you can be sure that you just have allergies

Allergy sufferers will soon begin starting to feel these familiar symptoms, like itchy eyes and a runny nose. Besides pollen, however, there’s something else in the air this year -paranoia around the coronavirus. With the COVID-19 pandemic not yet under control, these symptoms can cause more worry than usual. Dr. Jason Lee broke down how you can tell the difference. You can find his tips below, and watch the video above for more.

IS IT JUST ALLERGIES?

There’s no surefire way to tell, but there are clues it might be COVID-19. Patients who have had allergies, they will notice it in certain seasons, year after year. COVID-19 would be a new onset, or worsening of symptoms. Tree pollen is out now – results in clear watery runny nose, post nasal drip (can cause throat irritation). If you have COVID-19, there is a spectrum of symptoms. If you have a fever, you should worry. You can lose smell with allergies too, but they would have to be quite severe. With COVID-19, you would have shortness of breath, while with allergies, you would not have shortness of breath, unless you have asthma. There are a lot of nuances and, it is difficult to tell.

HOW BAD WILL THIS SEASON BE?

Usually it is fairly constant, but there was a lot of news last year that it is getting worse as a result of climate change. so there’s more overlap of grass and tree pollen. In general, the pollen count is constant.

SHOULD PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES DO MORE?

Should allergy sufferers do more this season so they can monitor for COVID-19 symptoms? In an ideal world, says Dr. Lee, where we have enough testing available, when patients developed these overlapping symptoms they could be tested.In regards to what people can do, we should all be physical distancing anyways. There may come a time where we should all be wearing masks – some countries are already doing that. Generally patients know what works for them – antihistamines and nose sprays, for example. Continue all of your regular treatments.However, a change in your symptoms is worrisome. Allergies makes you more at risk for infections - if you want to reduce your risk, follow the guidelines.

SHOULD I START ANTIHISTAMINES NOW?

It's easier to treat allergies preemptively. Dr. Lee's advice to patients with tree pollen allergies is they start taking antihistamines in March. Antihistamines are also in cold medication, so they would also make you feel better if you have a cold.

ARE ALLERGY SUFFERERS MORE AT RISK?

Absolutely yes, says Dr. Lee. Having allergic rhinitis, you are much more likely to get sinus infections and upper respiratory track infections.[video_embed id='1931405']BEFORE YOU GO: Will covering your mouth with a sweater protect you against COVID-19?[/video_embed]