Distinguishing the Difference: COVID-19 vs. Allergies vs. Flu

Coronavirus: A large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases. The viruses are transmitted between animals and people.

COVID-19: A mutated version of the coronavirus – called novel. It
was first detected in Wuhan, China in November 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

	COVID-19	ALLERGIES	FLU	
SPREAD AND SYMPTOMS	
	Spread person-to-person
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Chills (sometimes with shaking)
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Headache
A loss of taste or smell
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea	Not spread
Itchy, runny nose, sneezing, coughing
Itchy, watery eyes. Redness
Itchy, sensitive skin, rash or hives
– swelling
Shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest tightness	Spread person-to-person
Fever/chills
Cough, sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue	
PREVENTION				
	Avoid exposure whenever possible
Wash your hands
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if needed
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Avoid close contact with others	Avoid your allergy triggers
If you’re not sure what your triggers are – ask about allergy testing
Medicate for allergies before pollen season or potential exposure	Get the flu vaccine
Avoid close contact with others
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your nose & mouth
Wash your hands
Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth	
TREATMENT				
	Call your doctor if you think you were exposed
Stay home except to get medical care
Stay away from others
Limit contact with pets
Call ahead before going to the doctor
Wear a facemask only if you are sick and around others	Take prescribed or over-the- counter allergy medications
Antihistamines
Nasal sprays
Immunotherapy where prescribed
Allergy shots
Allergy tablets
Nasal wash/rinse	Antiviral drugs may be an option for people at high risk for complications and people with lung conditions
Stay home and rest
Contact your doctor early if you’re at high risk
Most people don’t need to go to the emergency room	

What to do if you are sick?
Call your doctor and discuss your symptoms and potential exposure. Your doctor will decide if you should be tested for coronavirus.
Stay home and self-quarantine yourself. Separate yourself from other people in your home.
Wear a facemask when around other people.
Cover your cough and sneezes, or cough into your elbow.
Wash your hands often, and don’t share objects.
Follow evidence-based guidance from CDC and other credible sources.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, experience chest pain, have bluish lips or face, or you’re unable to arouse or stay awake.

AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org • 800.878.4403

10/13/20