AllergyEasy Warns that Allergies Can Mimic COVID-19 Symptoms

No one welcomes a cough, but especially not right now. The mere hint of a rasp or wheeze suggests the novel coronavirus, but AllergyEasy is warning that with allergy season in full swing, people should use care in discerning the source of their symptoms.

AllergyEasy is a turnkey allergy treatment program that helps primary care physicians around the country test and treat their patients for allergies. But rather than prescribing allergy shots, AllergyEasy physicians provide a safer, more convenient alternative known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Like shots, SLIT introduces the body to liquid antigen that desensitizes it to allergens in the environment. But rather than being injected, SLIT is dosed as under-the-tongue droplets that are absorbed into the bloodstream through specialized cells in the mouth.

Dr. Agren, Founder and President of AllergyEasy, said that the similarities between COVID-19 symptoms and allergies are a source of considerable unease right now. “The two scenarios are that patients may pass off symptoms as allergy-related when they are actually signs of COVID-19 or that they become distressed about potential COVID symptoms that turn out to simply be allergy-related,” said Agren. “We are focusing on informing patients about the similarities and differences between these two illnesses so that they can get the appropriate help.”

Trees typically pollinate through May, and grasses pick up the baton in June, making this a tough time for allergy sufferers. Allergies can cause a wide variety of health issues, including these symptoms, which may also be signs of COVID-19:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

In spite of these similarities, there are some important ways to discern between the two ailments. Fever, for example, is rarely a sign of allergies, although it is a symptom of COVID-19. Agren also said that the effects of COVID-19 do not change with the environment, whereas allergies can worsen based on heavy exposure to the outdoors, time of day, and pollen count.

Agren added that patients should look for the presence of other allergy symptoms and responsiveness to usual allergy medications. “If patients are experiencing a runny nose and itchy eyes along with their cough, that may be an indicator that their immune system is reacting to allergens,” said Agren. “If patients try treating the symptoms with their usual allergy medications—such as antihistamines—and the symptoms don’t let up, they may be dealing with something more than just allergies.”

He also said that severe symptoms beyond the scope of the body’s usual reaction to allergies should be a red flag to patients.

Dr. Agren stressed that patients should consult a healthcare provider if they have concerns rather than simply waiting it out. “It’s better to err on the safe side given the potential for serious risks with COVID-19,” said Agren. “We’re trying to rule out patients dismissing COVID symptoms as allergies and potentially missing important signs that they need professional medical care.”

While there is no treatment for COVID-19 yet, Dr. Agren reminded people that allergies may be treated through allergy immunotherapy, which can reduce or reverse the cycle of allergic misery from season to season.

“As a general rule, I encourage patients who experience allergy symptoms for four or more months of the year to consider a more permanent solution than just popping allergy pills,” said Dr. Agren.

Allergy immunotherapy, whether through allergy shots or through sublingual immunotherapy oral drops, is the only treatment that has been proven to alter the underlying allergic disease for lasting allergy relief.

To learn more about AllergyEasy’s telemedicine options or to get more information about the symptoms of allergy and how they differ from COVID-19 symptoms, visit www.AllergyEasy.com or call (877) 276-3393.

About AllergyEasy

AllergyEasy helps allergy doctors around the country provide sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) to their patients who suffer with allergies to pollen and food allergies (including dairy allergy, wheat allergy, nut allergy, fruit allergy and more.) AllergyEasy can connect patients to a doctor in their area who offers sublingual allergy treatment.

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information on this website or in emails is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your physician. The news site hosting this press release is not associated with AllergyEasy or Dr. Stuart Agren. It is merely re-publishing a press release announcement submitted by a company, without any stated or implied endorsement of the product or service.