It鈥檚 that time of the year鈥攁n itchy throat, running nose, and sneezing. Signs point to allergies, but could it be something else? Let鈥檚 break down the facts.
Allergic Reactions vs. Viral Infection
While seasonal allergies and viral infections may have similar symptoms, it鈥檚 easy to differentiate the two. Here鈥檚 how:
Cause
Seasonal allergies are triggered by exposure to allergens. An allergic reaction is caused by our sensitized mast cells in the sinus, nose, eyes, mouth, and throat area. When these cells are exposed to an allergen, they release histamines, which are responsible for allergic inflammation.
Unlike allergies, a viral infection occurs as a cascade of events, mediated by immunologic messengers as a result of being infected. A good indicator that you have a viral infection is whether you鈥檝e been exposed to someone who also has these same symptoms and whether you have a fever. Respiratory viruses鈥攍ike COVID-19 and the flu鈥攁re easily spread between people who are in close contact.
Symptoms
It鈥檚 important to differentiate between allergic reactions and symptoms of a viral infection. It鈥檚 all in the pattern, explains Aaron Kobernick, MD, an allergist and assistant professor in the at 亚洲自慰视频 of Utah 亚洲自慰视频. Allergic reactions can include anything from itchiness in your eyes, nose, and mouth area to a runny nose or cough. However, these symptoms are not always indicative of a virus infection.
Common signs of a viral infection, like COVID-19, include fever, cough, and fatigue. While there are many other symptoms of an infection, a few symptoms of a viral infection aren鈥檛 associated with seasonal allergies.
鈥淵ou just don鈥檛 get fevers from allergies like you do with the flu, COVID-19, or the common cold,鈥 Kobernick says.
Additionally, allergies are generally worse outside and around pollen, whereas symptoms of a viral infection are generally worse in the evenings, regardless of whether you鈥檙e inside or outdoors.
Prevention
Avoiding your known triggers is the best way to prevent seasonal allergies. Other prevention measures for seasonal allergies include limiting time outside, wearing a mask, taking your medications, and getting desensitized with allergy shots.
The best way to protect yourself from a viral infection and getting severely sick is through vaccination. Taking preventive measures such as masking, physical distancing, frequently washing your hands, and staying home when sick are also important guidelines to follow.