Hartford HealthCare doctor explains difference between seasonal allergies and COVID
Dr. Philip Hemmers with St. Vincent's Medical Center says the first thing you should do is get a COVID test and rule that out. If you don't have COVID, it could be your allergies.
News 12 Staff
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Apr 20, 2022, 9:21 PM
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Updated 735 days ago
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257ds agoIt's another bad allergy season, which could make it difficult to tell the difference between allergies and COVID-19.
Dr. Philip Hemmers with St. Vincent's Medical Center says the first thing you should do is get a COVID test and rule that out. If you don't have COVID, it could be your allergies.
Hemmers says allergy and COVID symptoms can overlap.
"The sneezing and the itching would be more common in pollen allergy than for COVID. Sore throat, fever, body aches, flu-like symptoms those definitely are more consistent with a COVID infection and not your seasonal allergy," said Hemmers.
MORE: What is the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies?
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Hemmers says the last couple of years when people were wearing masks outside, there were less allergens affecting people.
Bethann Camillo from Milford says she's overcoming another bad allergy season.
"I get itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy throat," said Camillo.
Hemmers says if you do have bad allergies, you may want to try allergy shots.
"Long-term there's a tremendous benefit," said Hemmers.
That is giving patients like Camillo a shot at a healthier spring and summer.
Doctors say allergies get worse every year because of climate change.
