What You Need to Know About the Difference Between Allergies, the Flu and COVID
It’s no fun to feel sick and get side-lined by an illness, and depending on the season, you may bewondering what’s causing your symptoms. If a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, or sore throat have got you down, the flu or respiratory allergies, or even COVID-19 could be to blame.1 Read on to learnmore about the differences between these three ailments, how you can avoid them, and what to dowhen they strike.
In this article, you will find information about :
What Are Allergies?
Let’s start with what is an allergen – an allergen is a usually harmless substance that triggers an allergic reacton in some people. If you have an allergy to a particular substance, your immune system steps into protect you by initiating certain symptoms designed to let you know that a partcular substance is an allergen.2
They can be caused by tree or grass pollen, dust mites in the home, certain foods (peanuts, milk, or eggs, for example), animal dander, bee or wasp stings, or even some medications.3
Like the flu, some typical allergy symptoms can include sneezing or running nose, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath and facial pain. So, when it comes to allergies vs. the flu, the symptoms can often look quite similar.1
What Is the Flu?
The flu is a respiratory illness that’s caused by a virus, which can affect the nose and lungs, in some cases. It can often be prevented by getting an annual flu shot, and it’s important to remember that it is contagious.4
The flu is caused by something called the influenza virus4. It’s transmitted mainly by microscopic droplets suspended in the air, so you can get the flu if a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes near you. Virus droplets can also land on objects you touch every day, so, handling something like a doorknob or a pen, and then touching your mouth or eyes, can make it easier for the virus to make its way into your body.5
Most of us have experienced the flu in our lifetimes, so some of these symptoms will seem familiar, including:4
- Body aches
- Chills
- Dizziness
- A flushed face
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Nausea and vomiting
But, keep in mind that a fever is often the first symptom of the flu, and that will manifest as a temperature of anywhere between 102°F (39°C) and 106°F (41°C).6
What Is COVID-19?
Well, we’ve all heard plenty about COVID-19, but essenttially, it’s a contagious disease that’s caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.7
The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads in part due to small liquid particle droplets that are dispersed when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, sings, or even breathes.7
The most common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, headache, and loss of taste or smell.7
Other, less common symptoms include:
- sore throat
- aches and pains
- diarrhea.
What Are the Key Differences Between Allergies, the Flu, and COVID?
There are a lot of overlapping symptoms between allergies, the flu, and COVID-19. Some of the main shared symptoms of these three issues include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and cough.8 However, allergies do not cause fever, whereas the flu and COVID-19 can.8
There are some common misconceptions about allergies, but the main difference between allergies and the flu and COVID, though, are that allergies are not contagious.8
How Do You Diagnose Them?
The best way to diagnose allergies is by using skin or blood testing.9 Your doctor can refer you to an allergistwho can provide this type of testing1, which can include testing for asthma.9 When it comes to COVID-19, diagnosis can come from your healthcare provider, who may take a nasal orthroat swab. Or, there are home tests you can get from your pharmacist, which are known as antigen tests.10 You may already be familiar with these types of home tests that involve nasal testing.If you’re suffering from some of the symptoms described above, like aches, sore throat, or runny or stuffynose, it may be the flu. You can visit your healthcare provider for a test called RIDT, which stands for rapidinfluenza diagnostic test, or another diagnostic test called a rapid molecular assay. Both of these can detectthe influenza virus in a matter of minutes, but the rapid molecular assay is thought to be more accurate. 11
What Are the Treatment Options?
Although it may seem obvious, the best thing to do to treat allergies is to avoid whatever is triggering them inthe first place. With your doctor’s help, you can determine what environmental factor is causing your allergiesin the first place.3 Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help, including antihistamines likenon-drowsy Telfast 12
Most of the time, rest and home care are all you need to bounce back from the flu. Try an OTC antipyretic oranalgesic to help bring down a fever, and certain over-the-counter medications can also help with symptomslike coughs and sore throats. Just make sure you rest, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and alcohol. You may need to see a doctor, though, if you’re older than 65, are pregnant, have aweakened immune system, or if your symptoms don’t improve after seven days.13
Many people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms that are similar to the flu. With mild cases, you can start bymanaging your symptoms directly with over-the-counter medications. Getting plenty of rest and water is a good start, and you can also try pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches.14
For more severe cases, you may be treated for COVID-19 in the hospital with antiviral medications, if yourdoctor decides that you are a higher-risk patient.15
What Are Some Preventive Measures for Allergies, the Flu, and COVID-19?
Avoidance is thought to be the best method to help prevent symptoms related to allergies, butunfortunately, this is often easier said than done. One good first step is to talk to your doctor about yoursymptoms and develop a plan for avoiding possible triggers.3
When it comes to allergies to dust and dust mites, try introducing a dehumidifier into your home, washyou’re bedding often, and vacuum carpeting and upholstery often.1 And, for pollen allergies, it can be handy to consult a weather forecasting site or app to keep an eye on the daily pollen count and airquality index in your area.1
And, another very common source of allergies is your beloved household pet. Vacuuming your homeregularly, keeping your pet clean and washed, and adding an air filtration system to your home can all help keep allergies at bay when you share your home with a dog or cat.1
Want to get some help in preventing the flu? Get a flu shot every year, if you can. Also, you can help stop or slow the spread of the flu virus by practicing good hygiene habits – wash your hands often, cover yourmouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid being in close proximity to people who are ill.4
And, a COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of serious complications and deathsignificantly. Additionally, the tactics to prevent COVID-19 are much the same as those you shouldemploy to prevent the flu – wash your hands often and avoid people who may be ill. You may also want towear a face mask in closed, indoor spaces, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and keep the surfacesyou touch offten clean and disinfected.7
When Should You Consult a Doctor for Children’s Allergies?
If you’re concerned about the possibility of your child suffering from allergies, it’s important that you bring this up with your little one’s pediatrician. He or she may refer you to an allergist or an immunologist to help get to the root of what’s causing your child’s allergies and how to help19. Allergies are often hereditary, so if you or your partner suffer from a particular type of allergy, it’s not unlikely that your childwill, as well.20
Frequently Asked Questions about Allergies, the Flu, and COVID-19
One difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies is that seasonal allergies are not contagious.8And, remember, if you’re vulnerable to seasonal allergies, this does not mean you’re more likely tocontract COVID-19. Studies have shown that there is no increased risk of contracting COVID-19 if you have allergies.21
To pinpoint exactly what you’re suffering from, consult your doctor, who can help you develop a plan tomanage your symptoms. That said, there are a few symptoms that can signify a difference between allergies and the flu. These include itchy or watery eyes, which are more common with allergies, and generally not associated with other illnesses.22 The other key indicator that may help tell the differenceis the duration of your symptoms. Flus last for around two weeks at the most, while allergy symptoms can last for as long as you’re exposed to the triggers – for seasonal allergies, this can be as long as 6 weeks during high-pollen seasons.22 If your symptoms persist, or are severe, please consult with yourdoctor to determine the best course of action.
There are some overlapping symptoms, yes. Specifically, both allergies and the flu can affect the respiratory system, so your breathing can be impacted. Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, andfatigue are all symptoms that can sometimes be present with allergies or
the flu.8
Yes, and no. Generally, allergies shouldn’t make you feel sick or achy in the same way that the flu does. But allergies can cause symptoms like headaches and sinus pain.8 As always, your doctor is the bestperson to help you figure out what’s going on and determine a plan to help you feel better.
Telfast® is here to help
We all try our best to stay healthy year-round, but sometimes illnesses or allergic reactions happen. It’s best to be knowledgeable about the differences between things like allergies, the flu, and COVID-19 so that when you’re not feeling your best, you can act quickly to help yourself feel better, heal quickly, and avoid sharing your sickness with others.
Recommended Reading
1. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences? Mayo clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in depth/covid-19-cold-flu-and-allergiesdifferences/art-20503981.
3. Allergies. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/
4. Flu (Influenza). Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
5. How Flu Spreads. CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spread/index.html
6. Flu (Influenza) - Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/flu-influenza
7. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/coronavirus/
symptoms-causes/syc20479963#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20is%20caused%20by,infected%20but%20has%20no%20symptoms.
8. Is It Flu, COVID-19, Allergies, or a Cold? NIH. Available at: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/01/it-flucovid-19-allergies-or-cold.
9. Allergy testing. Health direct. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/allergy-testing.
10. COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/testsprocedures/covid-19-diagnostic-test/about/pac-20488900.
11. Diagnosis for Flu. CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/testing/index.html.
12. Egyptian drug authority. Telfast oral suspension 30mg/5ml. Approval date: 25-6-2023.
13. Flu. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
14. COVID-19 symptoms and what to do. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/
15. Treatments for COVID-19. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/treatments-for-covid-19/
16. House Dust Mites _ Entomology. Available at: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef646.
17. Asthma and Allergy Forecast _ Allergy & Asthma Network. Available at: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/weather/.
18. Allergic to Your Pet_ Learn About Dog and Cat Allergies. Available at: https://aafa.org/allergies/typesof-allergies/pet-dog-cat-allergies/.
19. Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children _ AAAAI. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-forthe-public/conditions-library/allergies/prevention-of-allergies-and-asthma-in-children.
20. WHO Gets Allergies - Often Allergies Are Hereditary _ ACAAI Patient. Available at: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergies-101/who-gets-allergies/
21. Tanno LK, Demoly P, Martin B, et al. Allergy and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) international survey: Real-life data from the allergy community during the pandemic. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2021;14:100515.
22- Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies). Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/allergic-rhinitis/
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