Sore throat can be a symptom of allergies or COVID-19, and it can be difficult to tell which one you have. Although symptoms of COVID-19 and allergies may overlap, key differences include the following:
- COVID-19 often causes a system-wide response, while allergies cause a localized response. For example, COVID-19 symptoms range from sore throat and fever to respiratory problems. However, allergy symptoms may be limited to the nose, throat, and eyes (although allergies can also cause generalized symptoms in some cases).
- Itchiness is a common symptom of allergies that is usually absent in the case of infections including COVID-19.
Understanding the difference between these two illnesses can help. However, it is best to contact your doctor to confirm a diagnosis.
What are symptoms of allergies vs. COVID-19?
Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which help remove the allergen from the system. In the process, the body releases chemicals such as histamine which is responsible for allergy symptoms.
Examples of allergens include pollen, dust mites, molds, or animal dander. Pollen is one of the common causes of allergic reactions and can cause hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The most common symptoms of allergies like hay fever include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery, itchy eyes
Less common symptoms of allergies include:
Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis change with the seasons and can therefore become worse at certain times of the year.
COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste and smell
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body ache
- Upset stomach
Some people also report skin rashes, discoloration of toes and fingers, and red and irritated red eyes. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, and chest pain require immediate medical attention.
How are allergies and COVID-19 treated?
Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
- Allergies: Treatment for allergic reactions includes antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.
- COVID-19: For people suffering from COVID-19 and who are in isolation at home, taking medications, getting ample rest, and eating a nutritious and immunity-boosting diet are usually recommended for a speedy recovery.
World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Cleveland Clinic. Allergy Overview. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergy-overview
Top Is My Sore Throat Allergies or COVID-19 Related Articles
Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention: Test Your Medical IQ
What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Should wear a mask or not? Take this quiz to find out!
Coronavirus: How COVID-19 Affects Your Body
By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. But do you know how it can affect your body?
COVID-19 vs. Allergies
Though there is some overlap in allergy and COVID-19 signs and symptoms there are also significant differences. Symptoms that they have in common include headache, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sore throat. Fever does not occur with allergies but is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19 infections.
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
When you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common cold or the flu (influenza). While fever is common with the flu and COVID-19, sneezing is typically only associated with colds. Though sore throats are typical with colds, they are uncommon with COVID-19 infections and the flu.
Dehydration in Adults & Children
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of dehydration include headache, lightheadedness, constipation, and bad breath. Treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
How Do I Know If My Sore Throat Is Viral or Bacterial?
It's seldom easy to tell the difference between bacterial and viral sore throats. Find out what the differences are and learn some tips for telling them apart. A sore throat is irritation and scratchiness in the throat accompanied by pain that often worsens with swallowing. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection. Rarely, a bacterial infection can cause a sore throat. Antibiotics cannot treat a sore throat if it is caused by a viral infection. Viruses cause about 90% of sore throats; hence, antibiotics should not be used immediately as treatment for a sore throat. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin if a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection.
Lung Disease & Respiratory Health: Should I Get a COVID-19 Antibody Test?
If you had COVID-19 symptoms but never got tested, or if you have long-term symptoms that just won't go away, you may want to get an antibody test. It can tell you if you've already had the virus. Here's what you need to know.
What Are the Most Common Long-Term Effects of COVID-19?
Most people recover from COVID-19 in two weeks. The most common long-term effects of COVID-19 infection are mood problems, neurological issues, heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, and heart disease.
Nasal Irrigation
Clogged sinuses and congestion bothering you? Nasal irrigation can relieve sinus symptoms associated with colds and allergies. Learn how to do nasal irrigation with this visual guide from WebMD.
10 Signs Your Allergies Are Out of Control
Learn 10 signs your allergies are out of control. See these surprising allergy symptoms and find out how to get relief for sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, and more.
What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
Both the PCR test and antigen test can be used to determine whether you have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. While it takes longer to get results, a PCR test is usually more accurate than an antigen test.
How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.
Sore Throat
Sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. OTC remedies for a sore throat include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat.
Tests Available for COVID-19
Getting tested for COVID-19 can identify you as a positive or negative patient of the disease. Remember no test is 100% accurate. Different methods of testing have been launched to trace COVID-19 infection.
What Is Considered to Be Fever for COVID-19?
A body temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher is generally seen in people with COVID-19, although not everyone who is infected with the virus will develop a fever. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to infection. Other COVID-19 symptoms may include cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, sore throat, difficulty breathing, nausea with or without vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste, loss of smell, and abdominal pain.