Is It Fall Allergies or COVID-19?

Seasonal changes may be affecting your sinuses. Here's how to tell if it's COVID or just the weather.

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By Paola de Varona, Associate News Editor The temperatures are changing rapidly in my town. We went from shorts weather one Saturday to bundling up in a fall jacket and boots the next.   These weather changes seem to have everyone sniffling and sneezing—which during COVID times can be anxiety-inducing, to say the least.   But don't worry, we've got you covered. Today's Top Story The Differences Between Allergies and COVID If you've started reaching for the tissue box more often or find yourself clearing your throat, you might be wondering if it's seasonal allergies or COVID-19.   While some allergy and COVID symptoms do overlap, there are basic differences to help you tell them apart.   Some symptoms can be a sign of both ailments, like fatigue, nasal congestion, and a sore throat. But for example, if these symptoms come with sneezing or itchy eyes, you likely have allergies instead of COVID. Allergies also don't typically cause a fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Those are all hallmark signs of COVID.   And what about a loss of sense of smell and taste? If it's not accompanied by nasal congestion or a runny nose, then it might be the virus at work. Know More Experts say big shifts in weather—like a sudden drop in temperatures—can trigger your sinuses. If it feels like your fall allergies are particularly bad this year, you might be right.   "Over the last few decades, we have seen a steady rise in pollen counts and lengthening of the allergy season with climate change," Kara Wada, MD, allergy specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells Verywell. "Both of these contribute to worsening allergy symptoms." Feel Better If you suspect you might have COVID-19, the best you can do is get tested and self-isolate. It might be a smart idea to have some at-home tests handy throughout the season to reach for whenever you may have doubts. READ MORE Seasonal allergies are pretty common. According to a 2021 survey, of the adults who said they had an allergy, the most frequently reported was pollen allergies. Why Workleisure Should Be Here to Stay As many people begin transitioning back to in-person work, people in the chronic pain community are hoping workleisure is a fad that doesn't go out of style. The casual clothing some embraced while working from home has actually helped a lot of people cope with chronic pain. But even if your company won't allow sweatpants at work, you have options.   "What people have to do when they're working in a corporate setting is to think about how they can layer things in a way that they can take on and off in a way that continues to stay professional," says Shamin Ladhani, PsyD, a pain psychologist. READ MORE Who's At-risk for Breakthrough COVID? Experts are still trying to answer that question. But so far, researchers have pinpointed one group that's particularly susceptible: people with substance abuse disorders (SUD). In a new study, 3.6% of vaccinated people without a SUD experienced a breakthrough case of COVID-19. Meanwhile, 6.8-7.8% of those with SUD, depending on the substance, had breakthrough infections. People who used marijuana had the highest risk. Experts say that's likely due to a mix of effects smoke has on the body as well as risky behaviors. READ MORE   If you're still not sure whether the symptoms you're feeling are a cold, allergies, or COVID, Kara Wada, MD, allergy specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, shares advice she gives patients. When in doubt, I recommend patients consider getting tested. It is also important to wear a mask and isolate to minimize spreading to those with weak immune systems or those unable to be vaccinated yet. Kara Wada, MD, Allergy specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center   Keep Reading   ■ Bones or No Bones, There's a Mental Health Lesson Within this Trend. Inverse     ■ Cozy Creeps: Comfortably Eerie Halloween Reads. The Wall Street Journal     ■ The Emotional Toll of Adult Acne. The New York Times More From Verywell Can Birth Control Make You Tired? READ MORE Is It Allergies or a Sinus Infection? READ MORE How Weather May Trigger Headaches READ MORE   How'd we do? If you have any feedback, send us a note at   feedback@verywell.com.       You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 verywellhealth.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy