A Cold, Allergies, Sinusitis, or COVID?

March 25, 2021

With spring right around the corner, many allergy sufferers are already preparing themselves for the onslaught of misery they experience every year. It is such a shame that the season of hope and renewal, of beauty and longer days, brings congestion and sinus pain with it.

Another difficulty with allergies in 2021 results from 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more difficult than ever to differentiate between a cold, allergies, and COVID – making it even more challenging to know how to deal with your symptoms. Below is a list of the symptoms of a cold, allergies, and COVID:

Cold Symptoms

Low or no fever
Runny nose
Congestion
Sore throat
Cough
Post-nasal drip
Watery eyes

Allergy Symptoms

Runny nose
Sneezing
Watery or itchy eyes
Wheezing
Sore throat
Fatigue

Sinusitis Symptoms

Low fever
Painful, swollen feeling around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks
Headache
Thick, colored mucus
Post-nasal drip
Cough
Sore throat
Bad breath
Fatigue

COVID Symptoms

Low to mid-grade fever
Sore throat
Chills
Achy feeling
Loss of smell or taste
Runny nose
Congestion
Headache

As you can see, many symptoms overlap between all four of these illnesses. Perhaps the most significant indicator that you are suffering from allergies during this time of year is if you have been affected by them in the past. March is the typical season for people to begin suffering from allergy symptoms. So, if you have typically experienced allergies every March, there is a good chance that what you are experiencing now is allergies. Of course, if you have any unusual symptoms (especially loss of taste or smell), then you should visit your doctor for a COVID test to rule out or confirm COVID.

Sinusitis usually happens following a cold or allergies, but specific symptoms will linger for an extended period even after your cold goes away. A typical severe cold lasts 10-14 days, with marked improvement noticeable at the end. With sinusitis, you may feel better in some ways (no more coughing or sore throat, for instance), but your congestion, post-nasal drip, and headaches may last much longer.

Unfortunately, many people suffer from allergies on top of another illness. This combination can make seasonal allergies even more miserable to deal with. If you are suffering from any unwanted symptoms, it is essential to be evaluated to determine if you are suffering from allergies, sinusitis, a cold, COVID, or some combination. A correct diagnosis will help you take care of your health and lessen your symptoms.

Contact Dr. Levitin for online consults.