Winter is Coming: Allergies, COVID & the Flu
While many people dread the coming of winter, allergy sufferers often breathe a sigh of relief, confident their seasonal allergies will go away once cold weather sets in. This isn’t always the case—especially for those who suffer from mold and dander allergies.
While pollen counts drop in the winter months, indoor allergens such as mold and dust mites often increase, leading to allergy symptoms for those stuck inside during the coldest months of the year. Closing windows and turning on the heat can spread dust, mold spores and insect parts through the air, triggering allergic reactions.
Is It Allergies or Something Else?
It is often difficult to differentiate between allergies and other seasonal illnesses like the common cold, COVID-19 and the flu. Generally speaking, cold and virus symptoms should disappear within 10 days, while allergies linger for weeks or months.
Allergy symptoms include coughs, itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and dark spots under the eyes. The flu is often accompanied by fever and aches and pains—symptoms rarely seen with colds and allergies. And COVID-19 has its own set of unique symptoms, including breathing difficulties, fever and loss of smell and taste.
Specific to COVID, pay close attention to upper respiratory symptoms, noting when they begin and whether they worsen. Sudden chest pain or pressure; confusion; a change in consciousness or inability to stay awake; and lack of oxygen (signs include bluish lips or gasping for air) require prompt medical attention.
Girgis ENT can help diagnose your symptoms and provide the appropriate course of treatment. Schedule an appointment today by calling (630) 323-5214 or click here to schedule online.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for evaluation or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Use of this website does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Girgis ENT.