Excessive pollen rely on the best way as medical doctors spotlight distinction between hay fever and a chilly

That is right down to the truth that hay fever, additionally referred to as allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs

Publish-Covid life has made individuals extra conscious of their well being, and when a sniffle, cough or blocked nostril begins to develop, we instantly query if it’s the extremely contagious virus.

Whereas restrictions are just about nonexistent, the HSE continues to advise individuals to isolate in the event that they develop the identified signs.

With hay fever season nicely underway, it may be tough to decipher between allergy symptoms and Covid, and even the widespread chilly.

That is right down to the truth that hay fever, additionally referred to as allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs.

These might embrace a runny nostril, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus stress – all of which could be related to newer strains of coronavirus.

However not like a chilly or Covid, hay fever is not brought on by a virus. It’s brought on by an allergic response to a innocent out of doors or indoor substance the physique identifies as dangerous (allergen).

Young boy sneezing into tissue

Hay fever signs can embrace:

  • Runny nostril and nasal stuffiness (congestion)
  • Watery, itchy, pink eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
  • Sneezing
  • Cough
  • Itchy nostril, roof of mouth or throat
  • Mucus that runs down the again of your throat (postnasal drip)
  • Swollen, bruised-appearing pores and skin below the eyes (allergic shiners)
  • Excessive tiredness (fatigue), typically because of poor sleep

Based on the Mayo Clinic, it may be difficult to determine whether or not you’re affected by hay fever, a typical chilly, or Covid – however listed below are some fast suggestions to assist.

When you’ve got hay fever, you’ll expertise a runny nostril with skinny, watery discharge, however no fever. It would come on instantly after publicity to allergens, and can final so long as you are uncovered to allergens.

When you’ve got a chilly, Covid, or a unique respiratory an infection, you’ll seemingly have a runny nostril with watery or thick yellow discharge, physique aches and a low-grade fever.

Your signs will develop between one to 3 days after publicity to a chilly virus, and can final for between three and 7 days.

Most individuals gained’t have the posh to attend and see if their signs subside, so it’s endorsed that you just monitor your temperature over the area of a day.

In case your temperature stays fixed, and regular (between 36.4°C to 37.2°C), then you definitely seemingly are having a response to pollen within the air.

In case your temperature rises above 37.8°C, you need to assume it’s a chilly, monitor your signs and take a Covid take a look at to rule out being contagious.

Met Eireann pollen rely

Met Eireann pollen count Credit score: Met Eireann

 

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Originally posted 2023-05-04 19:00:58.