Allergies, the flu and coronavirus: How to spot the differences

A ‘shelter in place’ order aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 was announced in the Bay Area today, and residents are starting to adjust to life under self-quarantine. But in the midst of this pandemic is allergy season and flu season, both of which trigger all sorts of symptoms ranging from a mild stuffy nose to severe chest pain.

As more coronavirus cases are reported, hospitals in the Bay Area are bracing for a surge in patients. It’s more important than ever for people to understand the differences between COVID-19, the flu and allergies to prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital. Dr. Schuman Tam, Allergy, Asthma and Immunology specialist at MarinHealth, helps explain the differences between signs of allergies, flu or coronavirus.

Coronavirus

So far, the CDC tells us COVID-19 is a new disease spread between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The top three symptoms of Coronavirus include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, and can happened 2-14 days after exposure. Some with the coronavirus may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle aches and/or sore throat.

When to seek medical attention

The CDC lists the following symptoms as emergency warning signs for COVID-19:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

Influenza

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Like COVID-19, the flu can be easily transmitted and can cause mild to severe illness, and at times lead to death.

Sometimes mistaken for a common cold, the flu comes with more intense, abrupt symptoms including fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue. Sometimes common cold symptoms such as sneezing, sore throat and stuffy/runny nose may appear, but they are not the telltale sign of the flu.

When to seek medical attention

Most people recover from the flu with over-the-counter cold/flu medications. However, older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications and should seek medical attention if they have the main symptoms - fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue.

Allergies

As spring approaches in the Bay Area, pollen allergens can trigger certain symptoms that can be mistaken for a virus or cold. This is because seasonal allergies develop when one’s immune system perceives pollen allergens as pathogens, causing inflammation in the lining of the nasal cavity and sometimes the respiratory tract.

Allergy symptoms can include sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose; itchy, red, watering eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough; a raised, itchy, red rash; swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face; stomach pain, feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhea; and dry, red and cracked skin.

Unlike a cold, people suffering from allergies will not recover within 1-2 weeks, as long as there is active pollination in the air. Depending on what a person is allergic to, symptoms will get worse. For example, if someone is allergic to grass, symptoms will be worse by May. If the person is allergic to juniper symptoms will be bad now. If someone is allergic to both, they may suffer symptoms through June.

For people suffering from pollen allergies, close the windows when driving and close the windows in bedroom during spring.

When to seek medical attention

Seek attention from your doctor if your allergies are causing symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.