COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies?
Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies aren't caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens.
COVID-19 and seasonal allergies cause many of the same signs and symptoms. However, there are some differences.
| Symptom or sign | COVID-19 | Allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | Usually (dry) | Sometimes |
| Fever | Usually | Never |
| Muscle aches | Usually | Never |
| Tiredness | Usually | Sometimes |
| Itchy nose, eyes, mouth or inner ear | Never | Usually |
| Sneezing | Rarely | Usually |
| Sore throat | Usually | Rarely |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Usually | Usually |
| Pink eye (conjunctivitis) | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Nausea or vomiting | Sometimes | Never |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes | Never |
| New loss of taste or smell | Usually (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose) | Sometimes |
Also, while COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seasonal allergies don't usually cause these symptoms unless you have a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by pollen exposure.
Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants, and avoidance of exposure to allergens where possible. Seasonal allergies may last several weeks.
