Hay fever: corona or allergy? Symptoms in the check

March 16, 2020

Do I have hay fever or corona?

The corona virus continues to spread as the hay fever season begins. And as the nose starts to run, many sufferers feel an uncomfortable feeling: is this my allergy or maybe I have the corona virus?

We give an overview of the respective symptoms, by which you can recognize the differences.

Hay fever symptoms

  • Runny nose, runny nose
  • itchy eyes / skin
  • depending on the type of allergy:
    • Sore throat
    • Shortness of breath in allergic asthma
  • The symptoms decrease when taking the appropriate allergy medication.

Covid 19 symptoms

  • Common (60-80%):
  • Less common (<20%) in descending order:
    • shortness of breath
    • Body aches
    • Sore throat
    • a headache
    • Nausea / vomiting
    • stuffy nose
    • diarrhea

In general, it can be said that hay fever symptoms mostly focus on the upper respiratory tract, while Covid-19 mainly causes cough. Fever does not usually occur with an allergy, so this can also be a distinguishing feature.

As always: If you are not feeling well or you are worried that it may be the Corona virus, call your family doctor and he will help you!

Sources used: RKI, Federal Ministry of Health, pharmacy adhoc