Allergy season is here. For many of us, that means lots of sneezing and itchy eyes. So how can you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and something more serious, like COVID-19?
If you usually experience allergies this time of year, a runny nose or sore throat is probably just that, said Tonya Winders, CEO of the non-profit Allergy and Asthma Network. But if those kinds of symptoms are accompanied by a fever or a dry, persistent cough, then Winders suggests talking to your doctor.
"It's probably best to call first and have a conversation with your physician about those symptoms to determine if it's even necessary to come in or to get tested for COVID-19," Winders said.
It could be an especially bad allergy season thanks to the mild winter.
"Due to climate change we're seeing longer, stronger spring and fall pollen seasons," Winders said.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Maggie Mullen, at mmullen5@uwyo.edu.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West in Montana, KUNC in Colorado, KUNM in New Mexico, with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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