As the fear of COVID-19 rises, it is only safe to assume we are all afraid, but we are less afraid together, at least virtually. Though we must practice physical distancing, we do not necessarily have to also distance ourselves socially. However, we will be the first to admit, even coughing or sneezing in an empty room all by ourselves can send a rush of a jolt through the brain, making it go berserk questioning with sudden anxiety if it might, in fact, be the start of the virus. If you can relate to this, then stay put because, in these unprecedented times, the best thing we can do is monitor our symptoms rather than rush to the phone and dial the hospital. With only a limited amount of COVID-19 testing kits, it is best to self-isolate until you are confident you might have it.
If you want to save yourself the trouble of getting worked up with anxiety and stressing out over a sudden bout of cough or sneeze, then this article is a must-read for you. A lot of people mistake having allergy symptoms for a cold or flu. After all, according to experts, as the season transitions, you will find allergic rhinitis or hay fever is one of the most common allergies in Pakistan. So how do you determine if you have the COVID-19 or just another seasonal allergy? Continue reading to find out.
What Are the Causes of Spring Allergies?
Spring is the season of hope when trees and flowers blossom, but along with them, pollen also releases into the air. This small grain floats around and cross-pollinates with other plants. While this is great for nature, it can lead to unwanted asthma, eye and hay fever allergies among individuals.
Most individuals are unaware that pollen can cling on to their skin, hair and clothing and enter into their home. It can even travel into your eyes, nose, or lungs and lead to an adverse reaction. If you get allergies every year, then it is easy to deduct that you have hay fever.
What Are Spring Allergy Symptoms?
Common hay fever symptoms include the following:
- Coughing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in chest
- Wheezing
Rarely, individuals may also experience headaches or even itching around the mouth, face, or inside the roof of the mouth. Sometimes it can even also cause a burning feeling in the throat.
How Can You Differentiate Between COVID-19 and Allergies?
We know it is a terrifying time for everyone; however, the best way to calm anxiety is to learn as much as you can about the thing that makes you anxious. After all, knowledge is power and since quite a lot of hay fever symptoms coincide with coronavirus symptoms, it is best to learn how to differentiate between the two.
Though the name states hay fever, there is a minimal probability of having a fever. However, one of the symptoms of COVID-19 is fever.
Another way to tell if you have spring allergies is that they cause wet cough with clear, thin and watery mucus. On the other hand, the novel coronavirus involves dry cough. Perhaps the most crucial symptom that differentiates the two is that COVID-19 is highly contagious, while the hay fever does not transfer from one person to another.
To recapitulate the coronavirus symptoms, include:
Dry coughing repeatedly
A high temperature
Tiredness
Difficulty breathing in severe cases
It is best to avoid the coronavirus and stay home, wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds, use a hand sanitizer when outside and practice self-isolation.
Asthma and Allergy Care
Pollen can also irritate the airways and aggravate symptoms of asthma. Unfortunately, the coronavirus can also cause worsen asthma and be the cause of life-threatening attacks. The only thing is it does not necessarily only cause asthma attacks among individuals who have asthma, it can also cause it among those who do not have this condition.
Therefore, individuals with asthma problems should use an inhaler on the regular to ensure their lungs function well and to reduce the risk of an asthma attack even on the off chance they catch the coronavirus. However, since such individuals have a higher susceptibility of getting severely ill, hence it is best to self-isolate during this time and lower the risk of exposure.
How to Check When the Pollen Count is High?
To begin with, individuals who suffer from allergic rhinitis should keep updated with the news as most news channels give a weather forecast of pollen in the air. Not only do they inform pollen count, but they can also forecast the future of peak pollen season and when it will drop. This forecast can help you better equip for the upcoming months. It can help one take extra precautions and medications if needed.
Measures for Pollen Allergy Prevention
One of the best ways to deal with allergy season head-on is to practice spring cleaning. This lowers your chances of getting ill, feeling lethargic and helps you feel a bit more in control of your health. Below are some spring cleaning tips and tricks:
- Change your bedding and pillowcases frequently.
- Thoroughly vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Maintain humidity levels below 50% by using a humidifier.
Here are some handy precautionary measures you can take to stay protected this allergy season. For starters, stay indoors as often as possible, especially during dry or windy days. If you must go outside, choose a less windy day or step out right after the rain, as rain helps to lower pollen count from the air and, in a way, cleanses it. If you enjoy gardening, trimming leaves and watering plants, during allergy season, choose to hire a gardener instead. Being around outdoor plants can aggravate allergies.
Pesky pollen can stick to your clothing, skin and hair and exacerbate your allergies. Therefore, try changing your clothes every time you step outside for a long time. If you can take a shower, that is even better. When washing clothes, instead of leaving them to dry on the clothesline where pollen is floating in the air, hang your clothes indoors.
Furry animals are carriers of pollen. Hence, if you have a furry friend, it is best to give them frequent showers, maintain their hygiene along with yours and keep them out of your bedroom. If you can, keep your pet outside your home. Pollen can stick to their fur and lit can transfer inside your home, stick to carpets, curtains, sofa, and even your bed.
What is the Best Spring Allergy Medicine?
If you are looking for the best spring allergy medicines, then look no further. Tirlor tablet loratadine 10 mg is a non-sedative antihistamine that works effectively. These loratadine tablets for allergic reactions help relieve chronic urticaria, allergic rhinitis and dermatological conditions.
For a lighter dose, we recommend Montelo montelukast 5 mg tablets. These montelukast tablets relieve symptoms of hay fever and effectively suppress asthmatic responses to allergens by lowering the broncho-constrictor response of the lungs.
Tirlor loratadine tablets and Montelo montelukast tablets are available at all leading superstores in Pakistan. Before taking either of these over the counter medications, we recommend you consult your doctor.
