The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked worldwide fear, causing some people to worry even when they are only suffering from seasonal allergies. Did you wake up one morning with a tickle in your throat and wondered: is itchy throat a sign of coronavirus? Continue reading to learn whether it’s just the seasonal sniffles or coronavirus.

What are Allergies?

Allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts to foreign substances that enter the body. Our bodies immune systems are designed to create antibodies when they detect a threat. Sometimes things like pollen, cat or dog hair, or peanuts can trigger these antibodies' release and can result in minor to severe symptoms.

What are Viruses?

Viruses consist of submicroscopic parasites that are unable to reproduce by themselves.They require a living host to multiply and infect humans, animals, plants, andeven micro organisms like bacteria.

Viruses can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, inanimate objects,skin-to-skin contact (including kissing and sexual acts), and any physical interaction where bodily fluids or blood are shared.

Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Doctors must use antiviral drugs or vaccines to eliminate viruses or decrease the severity of virus symptoms.

Allergy Symptoms vs COVID-19 Symptoms

Some allergy symptoms are similar to COVID-19; however, there are also some key differences to keep in mind. It’s also important to note that symptoms canvary.

Is Itchy throat a sign of coronavirus? Review the below symptoms to find out.

Seasonal allergy symptoms often include:

• Watery or itchy eyes
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Coughing and sneezing
• Headache
• Chest or nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath (only common in those who have asthma or another existing respiratory issue)
• Sore throat

COVID-19 symptoms often include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Loss of taste and/or smell
• Body aches or chills
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea

• Sore throat
• Nausea

Fever, dry cough, loss of taste or smell, body aches or chills, and shortness of breath are more of a reason to be concerned, as these are common COVID-19 symptoms.

So, is itchy throat a sign of coronavirus? The answer is probably not. It’s rarely asymptom and occurs most often in people with seasonal allergies.

FAQs

What Types of Complications Can COVID-19 Cause in People with Underlying Conditions?
Coronavirus can cause complications such as:  

• Blood clots
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Cardiac issues
• Pneumonia
• Acute liver injury
• Secondary infection

What are the Best Ways to Prevent COVID-19?  
Maintaining overall health is an effective prevention method, as a stronger body usually has a strong immune system that can fight against sickness. You can also:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly
• Keep your distance from people you know are sick
• Wear a mask in public to protect yourself and others
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose.

What Should I Do if I Get COVID-19 or Someone I Live with Gets COVID-19?
The best thing to do if you or someone you’ve been in contact with gets COVID-19 is to immediately quarantine for at least 14 days to prevent spreading the virus. Continue to monitor you and your loved one’s health for COVID-19 symptoms as shown above and schedule an appointment with your physician if you notice that symptoms are getting worse.  

Who is Most at Risk of Developing Complications or Dying from COVID-19?
Older adults and those who are immuno compromised or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and lung disease have a higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms or death from COVID-19.  

it’s important to seek medical attention if you or a family member are having trouble managing allergies or are concerned that you may have coronavirus. It is possible to have both simultaneously. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen; the best way to know your symptoms' exact cause is to get tested. Visit your local testing center as soon as possible to confirm your diagnosis.

If you are struggling with severe allergies, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Alan Jones of ENT Utah. With over 15years of experience, Dr. Jones effectively treats various ear, nose, and throat conditions.

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