How to tell if you have hay fever or Covid as Nimbus strain shows key sign
Here's how to tell the difference between Covid and hay fever, as a new coronavirus variant sweeps the UK.
Millions in the UK are grappling with the pesky symptoms of hay fever amidst "very high" pollen counts in some areas, as reported by the Met Office. But, at the same time, a new Covid strain is on the rise.
Hay fever, an allergic reaction primarily to pollen, triggers sneezing, blocked noses, headaches, and sometimes loss of smell – symptoms that overlap with those of Covid-19.
Dr Luke Powles from Bupa clarifies: "Despite hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September. This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus."
With the arrival of the new Covid variant, NB. 1.8.1 or Nimbus, the UK has seen a near 10 per cent increase in coronavirus-related hospital admissions. Around 950 patients were admitted in the week ending May 31, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA),
Nevertheless, distinguishing between hay fever and Covid is possible, with a high temperature being a key sign of coronavirus but not associated with hay fever, reports the Mirror.
The NHS highlights that a high temperature implies "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)", which could also lead to shivering.
Contrasting the symptoms of hay fever, Dr Powles points out that a raised temperature is "not likely" in relation to hay fever. He added: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus."
Moreover, those afflicted with Covid may experience a more intense degree of illness. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," the health expert explained.
However, Covid poses a potential for more severity, with symptoms sometimes lasting significantly longer, even contributing to long Covid complications as per NHS insights.
Dr Powles said: "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu."
While many recover from coronavirus comparatively quickly, the NHS acknowledges that some may need a longer period to convalesce. Gastrointestinal disturbances, uncommon in hay fever cases, are another facet of Covid symptomatology, encompassing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The recommended action if you believe you've caught Covid is to isolate and cut social interactions if you or your youngster manifests symptoms and either:
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Once convalescence begins or the high temperature subsides, the NHS advises that individuals can recommence their "normal activities".
Hay fever symptoms commonly include:
Sneezing and coughing
A runny or blocked nose
Itchy, red or watery eyes
Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
Loss of smell
Pain around your temples and forehead
Headache
Fatigue
In contrast, Covid symptoms may include:
A high temperature or experiencing chills – this implies feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back (there's no need to take your temperature)
A new, persistent cough – this refers to coughing excessively for over an hour, or having three or more bouts of coughing within 24 hours
A loss or alteration in your sense of smell or taste
Breathlessness
Feeling fatigued or worn out
Bodily aches
A headache
A sore throat
A congested or runny nose
Loss of appetite
Diarrhoea
Feeling nauseous or vomiting
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