Runny nose, nasal congestion, dry and watery eyes, and sneezing can all be symptoms of seasonal allergies. Some of those symptoms overlap with COVID-19, Influenza, and the common cold. “Distinguishing between Influenza, COVID-19, and the common cold can be difficult because of the similarity of symptoms. Fever, cough, and fatigue are indicators you may be experiencing more than just seasonal allergies,” says Bryan Parker, FNP of Patient Plus Urgent Care. According to the CDC, identifying the initial symptoms may help with diagnosis.
Allergies
Allergies hit most patients quickly. Itchy eyes, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and a postnasal drip are the most common symptoms allergy sufferers experience.
Symptom onset for the flu is typically abrupt. The most common indicator is a cough, followed by fever, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches.
Common Cold
Contrary to the flu and allergies, the common cold sets in more gradually. The first symptom most experience is a sore throat or cough, followed by watery eyes, sneezing, postnasal drip, and coughing.
COVID-19
If you experience symptoms at all, they typically start gradually with COVID-19 as well. The initial symptom patients experience is a fever, followed by dry cough, sore throat, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and headaches.
These symptom lists for each illness and the order in which they arrive are not foolproof, though. It is helpful to consider how quickly symptoms appear and how long they last. A visit to Patient Plus Urgent Care will narrow down your ailment and provide you with the care you need to Get Better.