Right as you pass them they let out an enormous sneeze. You instinctively run for cover, trying to evade the spray of droplets, forgetting whatever it was you needed to get.

Turns out they only had allergies.

The fear of contracting coronavirus has changed our daily perceptions of others. There is some crossover of symptoms between something noncontagious, like allergies, and with COVID-19, as well as some misinformation. We’re here to help clear things up.

Symptoms of the Coronavius

There are telltale symptoms of COVID-19, but the most significant are fever, dry cough, and fatigue. A few other symptoms are telling as well, such as difficulty breathing and a sore throat.

Not everything is known about this virus, and we’re learning more every day, but these three main symptoms are what you need to be on the lookout for.

Allergies: Similar yet Different

Many with seasonal allergies are accustomed to their reaction to pollen. That said, there are a handful of similar symptoms shared between allergies and COVID-19, like coughing, headache, fatigue; however, there are symptoms that are unique to allergies, like watery and/or itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing.

If you’re experiencing different symptoms from your seasonal allergies, be sure to call your doctor or schedule a telemedicine visit by clicking here. 

Everybody is different and reacts differently to allergens, and even the coronavirus. We’re finding out new things all the time about COVID-19, but nobody knows your body better than you do.

Be mindful of what your body is trying to tell you, including keeping tabs on where you go and where you’ve been. Remember, you can carry the virus asymptotically, or without showing symptoms, so it’s important to follow proper protocol to avoid spreading the virus to others.

The post Don’t Mistake Allergies for COVID-19 appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Allergies are very common. According to WebMD, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from some sort of allergy. And just because you were not allergic to something in the past, does not mean you are not allergic to it now.

What is an allergy?

Our bodies are designed to protect themselves from anything harmful that enters, or comes in contact with the skin. Allergies occur when the body mistakes the normal material for something dangerous, and reacts by releasing a chemical known as histamine. Too much histamine produces the allergy symptoms we experience.

Some allergic reactions can be very quick and hardly noticeable, and will go away once the allergen is removed. Others will stick around and make the body miserable. The most severe type of allergic reaction is known as anaphylactic shock, and this type of reaction can be very dangerous of even deadly.

Common allergy symptoms include:

-Itchy/Watery eyes

-Nasal drainage and/or itchy nose

-Sneezing

-Hives or skin rash

-Feeling overly tired/ill

More severe reactions could suggest your body is experiencing anaphylaxis, and require immediate medical treatment. These include:

-Chest tightness/wheezing/shortness of breath

-Nausea or vomiting

-Tingling in the lips, scalp, feet, or hands

-All-over itchiness or hives

-Swelling of the tongue or throat

If you experience any of these symptoms, and have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it immediately, then call 911. It is important to seek medical assistance even after you have administered the medicine, and even if you feel better, because symptoms may return.

Common allergens

While it is possible to be allergic to almost anything, there are some common categories and triggers. These include:

-Food allergies – peanuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, gluten

-Airborne allergens – Mold, dust mites, animal dander, pollen

-Skin – certain textiles, types of plants, latex

-Medicines – most commonly penicillin

-Insect bites or stings – bee stings, fire ant bites

-Allergy Treatments

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with allergies, the good news is there are several good treatments available. Although there is no cure for allergies, you can feel better with the right combination of treatments.

-Medications, such as antihistamines, either over-the-counter or from your doctor

-Nasal sprays and eye drops

-Allergy shots

-The use of air purifiers or dehumidifiers

-Mattress pads and pillow covers

-Try to “allergy-proof” your environment as much as possible

It goes without saying that it is always best to try to avoid the allergen whenever possible. In the real world, that’s often impossible. Therefore, if you are prone to severe allergic reactions, be sure to have your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and inform those around you of your condition in case you are unable to speak up in an emergency.

The post Sneezing, Itchy Eyes, and a Runny Nose that Won’t Quit? appeared first on Quick Med Care.