Every day, Le Parisien takes action to answer your questions about the coronavirus. We are interested today in this questioning of Billie, who wonders what are the differences between the symptoms of coronavirus and allergies to pollens?
Plane trees, birch trees, oak trees … We are in the middle of pollen season, allergic people have felt it. But some are afraid of confusing the symptoms of these allergies with those of the coronavirus. They are in fact easily distinguishable, explains to AFP Professor Chantal Raherison, president of the French-speaking pneumology society. “In allergy, there is no temperature, no infectious picture, no fever, no chills and generally the patients also do not have intense fatigue or loss of smell as it has was reported in Covid-19, “she said.
Covid-19 usually gives you a fever, although taking medications, such as Doliprane, or cortisone, can mask this main symptom of Covid-19. A sign can be taken particularly seriously: “In case of unusual shortness of breath, we must consult,” says Professor Chantal Raherison.
The first cause of the usual consultations in this season
In addition to rhinitis, itchy eyes or itchy palate, symptoms of an allergy may include: , exercise… “, details Chantal Raherison. Besides, pollen allergies are not the only ones to ruin the lives of confined people. Other allergens (dust, mites, mold, animal hair, etc.), present in their apartments, can make their lives difficult these last few days.
More than ever, allergic patients must continue their treatment at this time. “Inhalers of course, but also oral antihistamines, which limit the release of histamine in the body. It is indeed this histamine that promotes inflammatory mechanisms, ”also explains Dr. Albanne Branellec, allergist in Paris, from the health website Le journal des femmes.
If, despite taking treatment, the allergy does not improve or if you notice any unusual signs, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. At this time of the year, allergic rhinitis is usually the first reason for consultation in general medicine.
