Some common symptoms: seasonal allergies vs. flu vs. COVID-19

In this article:

What COVID-19, the flu and seasonal allergies may have in common

If someone is having certain symptoms, it makes sense that they may be confused and a little bit worried. After all, COVID-19, the flu and seasonal allergies can have similar symptoms that may be hard to distinguish. From fever and cough to shortness of breath, it’s important for people to keep track of their symptoms and consult with a health care provider if symptoms do not improve.

Testing for COVID-19

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should consult their health care provider and stay away from others as much as possible to prevent spreading the illness.

At-home tests, like the CVS At Home COVID-19 Test Kit, FlowFlex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test and BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, are available over the counter.

Some common questions to ask about COVID-19, the flu and seasonal allergies

Since the symptoms may seem similar, a health care provider can help determining which condition a person might be dealing with.

How long have you had symptoms?

Seasonal allergies are triggered by allergens that a person is allergic or sensitive to. Because of this, allergy symptoms can last as long as a person is exposed to the allergen in question.

• COVID-19: Symptoms can last anywhere from 7 to 25 days (except in the case of long COVID)
• Flu: Symptoms may last anywhere from 7 to 14 days after infection
• Allergies: Symptoms can last as long as the person is exposed to the triggering allergen. Some environmental allergens can remain in the air for approximately 2 to 3 weeks

Do you have a cough?

If someone has a bad cough, it’s probably not seasonal allergies. With the COVID-19 or flu, a cough may be common.

• COVID-19: Cough is common
• Flu: Cough is common
• Seasonal allergies: May cause a dry cough

For temporary symptom relief support from a cough, consider Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil Severe Cold, Flu and Congestion LiquiCaps or Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM syrup. It’s important to consult a health care provider before starting a new medication. These medications should only be used as directed.

Do you feel weak or have aches and pains?

Seasonal allergies can sometimes make people feel tired, but they may not cause widespread body aches or fatigue the way COVID-19 or the flu can.

• COVID-19: Fatigue and body aches may be common
• Flu: Fatigue and body aches may be common
• Seasonal allergies: Fatigue may sometimes occur, but body aches are uncommon

Do you have a fever?

Seasonal allergies typically don’t cause a fever. With COVID-19 and the flu, having a fever may be common.

• COVID-19: Fever is common
• Flu: Fever is common
• Seasonal allergies: Fever is unlikely

If someone is feeling warm, they can check to see if they’ve developed a fever with an at-home thermometer like the CVS Rigid Tip Digital Thermometer. 

Do you have diarrhea, nausea or vomiting?

These gastrointestinal symptoms might indicate COVID-19 or another illness. They’re not typically part of seasonal allergies.

• COVID-19: These symptoms are common
• Flu: These symptoms may sometimes occur
• Seasonal allergies: Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting do not occur

Common cold vs. COVID-19

Nearly identical symptoms might leave people wondering if they have a cold or COVID-19. In the United States, adults suffer from an average of two to three colds every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, or a stuffy or runny nose are some common cold symptoms. Many colds can go away on their own within a week. COVID-19 symptoms can be similar, although the cough that accompanies COVID-19 can typically be dry. Common colds can cause headaches, but they are more common with COVID-19. COVID-19 is also more likely to cause someone to feel tired and weak, and to cause gastrointestinal symptoms. When in doubt, it can be a good idea to take a COVID-19 test and seek medical care.