If you have never experienced allergies or suffered from the coronavirus, you may be wondering if the onset of your symptoms is related to one of these conditions. Fortunately, there are ways you can tell the difference between to the two! Keep reading to learn more.
Symptoms of Allergies or the Coronavirus Can Act as a Guide
The biggest difference between the coronavirus and allergies is the culprit. The coronavirus is caused by a virus, specifically the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while allergies are caused by a specific allergen. Further, your body’s response to the coronavirus will be different than allergies, although you may have a couple overlapping symptoms. Consider the information below:
The following are symptoms of the coronavirus, not allergies:
- Aching muscles
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
The following are symptoms of allergies, not the coronavirus:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, or ears
- Watery, red, or gritty eyes
The following symptoms could be linked to allergies or the coronavirus:
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness
Got allergies? Dr. Brauer Can Help
Whether you have coronavirus-related symptoms or allergy-related symptoms, we’re so sorry you’re feeling bad! If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, Dr. Brauer can help.
First, it’s vital to determine exactly which allergen is causing your symptoms to flare. Dr. Brauer can determine the culprit by conducting an allergy test. The skin allergy test consists of placing the allergen on a specific part of your forearm or back with a plastic device that gently scratches the area to see how the skin reacts to the allergen.
If you do have an allergy to that specific allergen, we will see a reaction on the skin (i.e. red, bumpy, or raised). After assessing the reaction, Dr. Brauer can discuss your results and talk to you about treatment options like immunotherapy. The entire allergy test can be completed within 30 minutes.