DOVER, Del.- With spring just around the corner, many people are beginning to suffer from seasonal allergies.
But with the concern surrounding COVID-19, and a rampant flu season ongoing, how do you know if you're sick, or just suffering from allergies?
Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to that of the flu. But instead of jumping to conclusions when you're feeling under the weather, doctors suggest evaluating your symptoms first.
Dr. Rick Hong of Delaware's Division of Public Health says step one, is to pick up the phone.
"The best thing to do is call your primary doctor, discuss symptoms with him or her, and then determine what the best next steps are," said Hong.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- May appear 2-14 days after exposure
So far, there are only 8 cases confirmed in Maryland, seven in Virginia, and none in Delaware.
But Hong says it can be difficult to diagnose.
"Other respiratory viruses are more prevalent in this area. Flu can encompass any of those symptoms, so it's really hard to determine based on symptoms," he explained.
The CDC says that flu symptoms can range from:
- fever, or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
And if you're suffering from allergies, your symptoms will likely be less severe.
"Typically people don't feel as ill, there's no fever, typically symptoms are congestion, scratchy throat, and cough, not including shortness of breath," said Hong.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says allergy symptoms can include:
- runny nose, stuffy nose and sneezing
- wheezing, shortness of breath
- cough
- rashes
- fatigue
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
One thing Dr. Hong cautions is that urgent cares and emergency rooms cannot test for COVID-19, and that entering these facilities could expose others.
"If you decide to go to your doctor's office or if you really decide you need to go to your emergency department, you should try to phone ahead, to allow those facilities and offices to prepare for your arrival," said Hong.
And if you're still looking to give yourself the best chance at fighting back against the flu?
"Consider getting the flu vaccine; it's not too late, we are still getting flu cases," Hong said.