April showers bring May flowers….and seasonal allergies. When you wake up in the morning feeling a little under the weather, it can be easy to start imagining the worst. COVID continues to be a presence in our lives and makes us question if our symptoms are allergies or COVID. Here are a few tips to help differentiate between the two illnesses.

Check your temperature. Allergies generally don’t cause a fever, whereas COVID-19 does in most people. If you think you may have a fever, you should ask the SpringBrook care staff to check it for you. If it is more than 100 degrees, you should contact your healthcare professional for further directions.

The other symptoms that you may be experiencing have unique characteristics that can help pinpoint the nature of what’s making you ill.

Common COVID-19 symptoms, most of which start gradually and get worse:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or pain

Common allergy symptoms, most of which are aggravated when you’re outside:

• Itchy eyes and/or nose
• Sneezing
• Clear, runny nose
• Sore throat (if you have a lot of congestion in your sinuses and drainage in the back of your throat)

Compare your symptoms to previous years. Do you remember dealing with similar symptoms at this time last year? If so, you may suffer from seasonal allergies. While uncomfortable, the good news is they usually can be relieved with help from over-the-counter medications and won’t last long. If you are experiencing symptoms, please let SpringBrook care staff know so that we can assist you.