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Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Key sign your ‘hay fever' is actually new Covid strain as doctor reveals how to spot different symptoms
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS sneezing through summer could be facing more than just pollen. A new Covid strain is sweeping across the UK, and some of its symptoms are almost identical to hay fever, making it tricky to tell which one you've got. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Covid often leaves people feeling drained and seriously unwell, while hay fever – annoying as it is – tends to be milder Credit: Getty The warning comes as the Met Office reports "very high" pollen levels across much of the country, while health officials confirm a near 10 per cent rise in Covid-related hospital admissions in England. Areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are particularly affected. Hay fever and Covid-19 can both cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, headaches, and even a loss of smell. But while hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen, Covid is caused by a viral infection – and that difference can be crucial. Dr Luke Powles, Bupa's Associate Clinical Director, explains: "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." The latest Covid variant, known as NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus", is fuelling the surge. NHS data shows 947 people were admitted to hospital with Covid in the week ending 31 May. So, what's the key symptom to watch for? A high temperature. This is common with Covid, but not with hay fever. The NHS says a fever means "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)". Dr Powles confirms: "It is not likely for you to experience a raised temperature as a result of hay fever." And while hay fever can affect smell and taste, he says, "completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Another clue is how unwell you feel. Covid often leaves people feeling drained and seriously unwell, while hay fever – annoying as it is – tends to be milder. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," says Dr Powles. Covid, however, can have longer-lasting effects. The NHS warns some people suffer from symptoms for weeks or even months – a condition known as long Covid. The illness can also cause stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea – not something you'd get with hay fever. Fatigue, body aches and chills are also more likely to point to Covid than seasonal allergies. While hay fever typically affects the eyes and nose, Covid can have a much broader impact on the body. Experts are urging the public not to ignore the signs. If you suddenly feel worse than a typical allergy bout, or develop unusual symptoms like fever or stomach upset, it's best to err on the side of caution. "If you're unsure whether you're suffering from hay fever or Covid, it's wise to limit contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable," said a spokesperson for the NHS. Lateral flow tests are still available at some pharmacies or online, though not always free. Taking a test can help clear up the confusion and stop the virus from spreading further. Doctors also remind people that Covid symptoms can vary widely. Not everyone gets a cough or fever, and some only experience mild cold-like issues. That's why knowing your own health history and spotting any changes is key. List of hayfever symptoms Sneezing Runny or blocked nose Itchy nose, throat, mouth, or ears Watery, red or itchy eyes Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat) Cough (often caused by post-nasal drip) Loss of smell or reduced sense of smell Headache or facial pain (due to sinus congestion) Feeling tired or fatigued Earache or popping sensation in the ears
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Covid symptom warning as new variant mimics common summer illness
Covid is surging again, and doctors are warning that a new strain could be easily mistaken for hay fever or a tummy bug - especially as summer symptoms spike. The variant, known as NB.1.8.1 and unofficially nicknamed Nimbus, has now been detected across Ireland. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added it to its watch list after it jumped from just 2.5% of global infections in March to over 10% by late April. While there's no evidence the strain causes more severe illness, the WHO says it may be more contagious - and it's spreading fast. According to data from Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), NB.1.8.1 accounted for 14% of all sequenced cases in Ireland over the past five weeks. The HSE body also reported a worrying rise in confirmed Covid cases across all variants - from 152 three weeks ago to 332 in the most recent week. Doctors are seeing a noticeable shift in symptoms compared to previous waves. While older variants typically presented like a bad cold or flu, NB.1.8.1 is now being linked to stomach-related issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and even heartburn. Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." And with hay fever in full swing across Ireland - alongside "high" pollen counts forecast for all four provinces this weekend by Met Eireann - many people may not realise they actually have Covid. Both hay fever and Covid can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, headaches and even affect your sense of smell. But there are key differences. Dr Luke Powles, clinical director at Bupa, says a fever is a telltale sign. He explained: "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." He clarified that it is "not likely" for you to experience a raised temperature as a result of hay fever, adding: "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." The doctor stated that Covid tends to make people feel more unwell overall, explaining: "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill." Irish people who find themselves unwell with gastrointestinal issues or hay fever may actually have Covid, according to the HSE. Ireland's public health guidelines remain the same: If you have any symptoms of Covid, stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The HSE is reminding the public of the wide range of Covid symptoms to look out for. These include:
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
The 11 symptoms that indicate Covid not hay fever as 'Nimbus' variant hits UK
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Symptoms can differentiate a Covid infection from hay fever, despite some signs of these conditions overlapping. There are distinct ways to tell them apart. This year has seen millions across Britain grappling with the annoyance of hay fever symptoms as the Met Office reports "very high" pollen counts in certain areas. Hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, often leading to sneezing, a blocked nose, headaches, and even loss of smell which overlap with COVID-19 indicators. Dr Luke Powles, an associate clinical director at Bupa, stated: "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." A concern for many is the spread of a new Covid variant known as NB. 1.8.1 (or Nimbus) throughout the UK. As per data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), hospital admissions for Covid have jumped by nearly 10 percent with 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31, reports Surrey Live. However, there are ways to distinguish hay fever from Covid. The main sign to look for is a high temperature, which occurs when someone has coronavirus but not hay fever. The NHS says this means "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)". It can also cause shivering. Dr Powles noted that a temperature is "not likely" to occur with hay fever. He explained: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your sense of smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Furthermore, Covid tends to make the affected person feel more unwell in general. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," he added. In contrast, Covid can be severe in some cases, with symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years in the case of long Covid. According to the NHS, "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover." Additionally, Covid can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, which are not typically associated with hay fever. These symptoms include feeling or being sick and experiencing diarrhoea. If you suspect you have Covid, it is recommended to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you or your child have symptoms and either: Have a high temperature Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or engage in normal activities The NHS advises that you can resume "normal activities" when you feel better or no longer have a high temperature. Common symptoms of hay fever 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 the sides of your head and your forehead Headache Feeling tired Symptoms of Covid can include: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
The 11 symptoms that indicate Covid not hay fever as 'Nimbus' variant hits UK
Symptoms can differentiate a Covid infection from hay fever, despite some signs of these conditions overlapping. There are distinct ways to tell them apart. This year has seen millions across Britain grappling with the annoyance of hay fever symptoms as the Met Office reports "very high" pollen counts in certain areas. Hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, often leading to sneezing, a blocked nose, headaches, and even loss of smell which overlap with COVID-19 indicators. Dr Luke Powles, an associate clinical director at Bupa, stated: "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." A concern for many is the spread of a new Covid variant known as NB. 1.8.1 (or Nimbus) throughout the UK. As per data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), hospital admissions for Covid have jumped by nearly 10 percent with 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31, reports Surrey Live. However, there are ways to distinguish hay fever from Covid. The main sign to look for is a high temperature, which occurs when someone has coronavirus but not hay fever. The NHS says this means "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)". It can also cause shivering. Dr Powles noted that a temperature is "not likely" to occur with hay fever. He explained: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your sense of smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Furthermore, Covid tends to make the affected person feel more unwell in general. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," he added. In contrast, Covid can be severe in some cases, with symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years in the case of long Covid. According to the NHS, "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover." Additionally, Covid can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, which are not typically associated with hay fever. These symptoms include feeling or being sick and experiencing diarrhoea. If you suspect you have Covid, it is recommended to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you or your child have symptoms and either: Have a high temperature Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or engage in normal activities The NHS advises that you can resume "normal activities" when you feel better or no longer have a high temperature. Common symptoms of hay fever 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 the sides of your head and your forehead Headache Feeling tired Symptoms of Covid can include: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
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: Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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
