Asthma, Allergies, flu and COVID-19 Symptoms
Asthma, allergies, the flu, and COVID-19 all exhibit similar symptoms with a few variations. Today we are sharing the most up-to-date findings, however, the best way to determine a diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat Physician (ENT) or a qualified healthcare provider. They will be able to access your symptoms and determine a treatment plan that’s right for you!
Asthma and Allergy Symptoms
Asthma and Allergies have a variety of triggers such as dust mites, cat dander, and pollen, with seasonal allergies being the most common. Asthma and allergy reactions can be demonstrated with minor symptoms over a long period of time (seasonal allergy congestion) or very aggressive symptoms over a short period of time (asthma attack or a severe anaphylactic reaction).
Provided are some of the common allergy symptoms ranked from most common to least:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Dry Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
- Sore Throat
- Loss of Smell
- Body aches
- Rashes
- Swelling
- Hives
- Anaphylaxis
Flu and COVID-19 Symptoms
Both the flu and COVID-19 have fairly similar symptoms, making it slightly challenging to diagnose yourself without proper testing. Typically, a person with COVID-19 begins developing symptoms 5 days after contracting the virus, however, the symptoms can appear as soon as 2 days, and as late as 14 days. Flu symptoms can usually be seen more immediately, with most people showing symptoms 1 to 4 days after infection.
If you or a loved one experience a serious volume of any of the following symptoms, we recommend that you get both the flu and COVID-19 test immediately:
- Body Aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Headache
- Dry Cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sore Throat
- Vomiting
- Loss of smell
How to Protect Yourself
Asthma and allergic reactions are common and often unavoidable, however, we offer comprehensive treatment that includes screening, identifying triggers, testing, and careful monitoring.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19. Flu shots are the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu, and while they are close to releasing a COVID-19 vaccine, it won’t be readily available to the general public anytime soon. It is absolutely critical that we continue wearing masks, pay attention to hand hygiene, and practice social distancing in order to slow the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.
ENT and Allergy Specialists have a vast understanding of ear, nose, and throat disorders and all of our Board Certified physicians have received specialized training in the unique care of pediatric ENT problems. Schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment today! 610-415-1100