As the world lives through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, any sign of illness or discomfort can be a cause for concern. With hay fever season in full swing, sneezes, runny noses, and itchy eyes are common occurrences. These symptoms, however, can also be associated with COVID-19, leading to confusion and worry for many. As a pharmacist, it is important to be able to distinguish between hay fever and COVID-19 to provide proper care for patients. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the two conditions and how to identify which one you may be experiencing.
Pharmacist Laura Dowling has warned that the symptoms of hay fever and COVID-19 can be so similar that people may not know what they are suffering from. While the pandemic is no longer in the acute stage, COVID-19 is still circulating, and it is important to be aware of the similarities between the two conditions. Hay fever is an allergy reaction to certain aspects of the natural world, and the symptoms can last for several weeks or months. The arrival of spring leads to a surge in the pollen count, and hay fever sufferers will be stocking up on antihistamine drops or nasal sprays.
Tree pollen is most prevalent during spring, grass pollen in late spring/early summer, and weed pollen in early autumn. The different types of pollen can trigger an allergic response in the nose and eyes, resulting in itchy eyes, streaming eyes, sneezing, and itchy throat. Hay fever sufferers can also experience runny and blocked noses, itchy mouths, noses, and ears, and may also feel very miserable. While there is no cure for hay fever, there are a few things sufferers can do to alleviate the symptoms, such as wearing wrap-around sunglasses or staying indoors when the pollen count is high. People can also vacuum often and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth.
GPs can refer sufferers to immunotherapy, where patients are given small doses of pollen as an injection or tablet to build up their immunity. In addition, wrap-around sunglasses are recommended to protect the eyes from pollen. Showering and changing clothes after being outside is also beneficial, primarily if it has been a bright and sunny day with a high pollen count. It is essential to vacuum frequently to keep pollen sucked up into the vacuum and to dust with a damp cloth. Monitoring the pollen counts on the news is a good idea, and Met Éireann also provides pollen counts.
It is particularly the first-time sufferers that may wonder what they are experiencing. People who suffer from hay fever in previous years will have a better understanding of the symptoms. Of note, hayfever symptoms last longer than cold symptoms so if a person with hay fever has symptoms for more than ten days, they should contact their GP for advice.
In conclusion, Hay fever is a common seasonal allergy that can bring about symptoms that are similar to COVID-19, such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. But, it is crucial to understand that the two conditions have some distinguishing features, like the absence of a fever in hay fever. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Consultation with a pharmacist can also provide valuable information and guidance on the management of hay fever symptoms. Knowing the difference between these two ailments will help you avoid panic, unnecessary treatments, and confusion, and allow you to get the right medical attention when needed.
