Whether you’re sneezing, coughing, or have a sore throat, sometimes it’s difficult to know what’s causing your symptoms. Is it just allergies? Or could it be COVID-19?

Sorting through symptoms can be even more confusing—and stressful. Here’s what you need to know to help set your mind at ease and get back to feeling your best.

COVID-19:

• Symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
• Symptoms include cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.
• For most people, their COVID-19 illness lasts a few days to a week.  
• Contact your provider right away if you think you were exposed to coronavirus. For those with mild symptoms, stay home in a room or area away from other people. Rest and drink a lot of fluids. See if over-the-counter medicines help you feel better.
• If you are experiencing severe symptoms, go to the Emergency Department immediately. 

Allergies:

Unlike COVID-19, symptoms for seasonal allergies don’t include body aches or muscle pain. Another clue that it’s your allergies acting up? You won’t have a fever.

• Symptoms come and go with the seasons and last several weeks.
• Look for a runny or stuffy nose; sneezing; coughing; itching in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat; headaches; watery eyes; pressure in the nose and cheeks; difficulty smelling.
• The best way to cope is by avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms. If needed, use nasal sprays and other allergy medicines.

By Quincy Sa'ena, D.O., Family Medicine Physician at San Juan Health Partners Family Medicine Farmington.