As COVID-19 spreads rapidly in recent weeks and the spring allergy season increases, it can lead to some confusion that differentiates everyone’s symptoms – especially if it is difficult to access rapid and / or PCR tests. Dr. Anne Ellis, professor of medicine and chair of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at Queen’s University in Kingston, pointed out a number of similarities between the conditions. “Seasonal spring allergies present with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy (and) watery eyes, runny nose, occasionally after a nasal drop can also lead to a mild cough, and you can obviously see that there are many overlapping areas when it comes to “symptoms of COVID-19, especially with the Omicron variant being presented in a milder form,” he said. Regarding the differences, he said that sore throat is a “characteristic feature” of COVID and that people should be more concerned about the virus at that point. He also said that malaise and the feeling of “completely gone” are more characteristic of COVID-19, while itching and watery eyes are not such a common symptom. Ellis also encouraged people to think about the past few years to see if they had similar symptoms synonymous with seasonal allergies. “Statistically, your allergies are much more likely to recur,” he said. Ellis said that with the snow melting in recent weeks, the snow mold has recently caused “disaster” with the exposed grass causing the early symptoms. He said that with the early growth of tree pollen in the near future, there will be a “strong response” by the end of April, followed by the grass season in May. “There [are] “There are a lot of potential stimuli that can cause problems for people who suffer from spring allergies,” Ellis said. “Certainly birch pollen is the number one tree allergen locally and then as we get further into the spring, grass pollen is another strong trigger for humans.” If a specific trigger is unknown, he said, an allergist can do skin tests and recommend more specific treatments. When it comes to treating allergy symptoms, Ellis encouraged people to choose “second-generation” antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness. He said these are more effective than the older ones. Ellis said doctors have the ability to provide prescription drugs that can treat seasonal allergies and allow people to save money without having to buy over-the-counter drugs. For those who do not want to use prescription or over-the-counter medications, encourage people to buy saline rinsing kits (this ensures the fluid is sterile) to rinse the nasal cavities. “It is very important for people who suffer from seasonal allergies not to suffer silently. Do not hesitate to contact your primary care provider. “Ask for a referral to see an allergist,” Ellis said. “We can take you from simple drugs that just help suppress your symptoms to specific immunotherapies that can actually change your underlying immune system, so you can no longer react to those things you are allergic to, but you can actually. to tolerate exposure to them. “We have many different ways we can do this for humans, either through a series of injections or through new tablets.”
