As mercury grows each spring, the amount of pollen and grass that cause allergic reactions increases. However, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, experts say there is no need to panic.
Catherine Monteleone, an allergist and immunologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, said seasonal allergies do not make people more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as cough, however, may coincide with symptoms of COVID-19, making the virus harder to diagnose without testing, she added.
“You can make a checklist,” Monteleone said. “Ask yourself: What are the symptoms I’m feeling? And if I’ve had an allergy before, is it any different?”
COVID-19 warning signs
Monteleone said the symptomatologists should first look at the history of seasonal allergies and try to sort out any inconsistencies. Common signs of allergies, such as itching, watery eyes and sneezing, are rarely associated with COVID-19, she said.
However, bowel problems are rarely linked to seasonal allergies, she added. Headaches, fatigue, runny nose and sore throat are common to both.
James Mitchell, a doctor at the Paramus American Family Care Clinic, said that even the symptoms of COVID-19 olfactory loss can be similarly caused by nasal congestion caused by allergies. Loss of taste, however, is less likely to be related to allergies.
Mitchell and Monteleone said the fever is probably the biggest warning sign that symptoms of an acute allergic reaction may be due to COVID-19.
“Allergies usually don’t have a fever, muscle aches, or a flu-like feeling,” Monteleone said. “Sure, you’re tired of allergies, but usually no muscle pain.”
Mitchell said the fever, combined with some other symptoms, such as a deep and persistent cough or shortness of breath, should be a cause for concern and likely trigger a COVID-19 test. Any symptoms affecting the airways should be treated with caution, he added.
“People know their bodies best. If something doesn’t work out, always get tested,” Mitchell said.
A history of seasonal allergies should be considered when examining symptoms, Monteleone said. It is also important to weigh the prevalence of COVID-19 and the availability of tests for it, she added.
COVID cases have declined sharply since the wave of the original version of the micron in late 2021. Of the more than 40,000 daily confirmed cases a few days before the New Year, government officials in March reported 500 laboratory-confirmed cases each day.
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If unsure, take the test
Tests for COVID-19, which can be taken at home without the risk of infecting others, are readily available. While in the new circumstances it may be appropriate to see a doctor, Mitchell said personal opinion should be used.
“Your doctor will probably advise you to take the test anyway because tests are so widely available now,” Mitchell said. “We kept them for seriously ill patients when they were new and in short supply. Then it was more of a problem.”
Mitchell’s Paramus Clinic and others across the region are providing assistance, including faster and more accurate testing for the polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19. The first takes less than 20 minutes and is free for many with insurance.
Since mid-January, the U.S. government has also offered every home in the country free shipping of two sets of four home tests. Those who ordered the first batches may take tests that expire at the end of this spring and may need to be resumed later this season for allergies.
Monteleone recommended enrolling and taking a home peace of mind test if “you’re going to walk next to grandma and your allergies are working”.
“If your suspicion is low and the home test is negative, it could probably be the end,” she said.
David Timer is a local NorthJersey.com reporter. To get unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, subscribe or activate your digital account today.
