Is it COVID-19, the flu or just seasonal allergies?
Family Health
Updated Sept. 8, 2021
Not feeling well this time of the year not only makes you feel miserable, but also can be confusing. Is the flu or allergies or do I have COVID?
Flu season typically runs from October until the end of April. In the pollen-covered South, seasonal allergies can begin as early as January. And unless you live under a rock – which wouldn’t be a bad thing right now – you know about COVID-19. It’s the respiratory infection that has caused a global pandemic and as of September 2021, has killed more than 641,000 Americans.
The bad news is symptoms of all three of these, along with the common cold, can be similar.
The good news is onset is typically different and each illness has a different combination of common symptoms.
What do I do if I have any of these symptoms?
If you experience any respiratory symptoms, regardless of your past history of allergies, you should get tested for COVID-19, says Dr. Lawrence Zottoli, primary care physician with St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network. It's a highly contagious illness so it's best to rule out having it, or if you do have COVID, takes proper steps to self isolate.
"Any respiratory symptoms initially require a PCR COVID 2 test, as many COVID Delta variant infections begin with these type symptoms," Dr. Zottoli explains. "Even if it feels like your regular allergies, you should first make sure that COVID is not the underlying cause. Once that test is negative, then you can continue to treat your allergies just as you have in the past."
If you aren’t feeling well you can still practice social distancing by seeing one of our virtual healthcare providers. St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Smart Care 24/7 allows you to talk to an expert over the phone or via your computer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more here or download the app on your Apple or Google drive.
In the meantime, the St. Joseph’s/Candler Occupational Health Department provides this chart to help you navigate what may be ailing you this spring. Download it here.
