Perhaps This “virus” Is Actually an Autumn Allergy
When you have a runny nose or a sore throat, you may come to the conclusion that you are sick, and since the pandemic began, there are many reasons to worry about this. Fall and winter usually lead to cold and flu season, but something else could be causing your symptoms: You might have a fall allergy without even realizing it.
What are the most common fall allergy triggers?
You probably know that pollen around you can be an allergy trigger, but fall triggers are often overlooked. Dr. Jeanne Lomas, director of allergy services at WellNow Allergy , says these are some of the more surprising yet normal fall allergy triggers:
- Weeds like ragweed, which Lomas says “are the most common fall allergy triggers in much of the US.”
- Mold builds up on wet leaves
- Stinging insects such as yellow jackets or wasps
- Indoor allergens like animal dander and dust mites that you may not have noticed during the warmer months when you spent more time outside.
Lomas recommends taking extra precautions when working outdoors in the fall, as stinging insects are most active in late summer and early fall, most aggressive in August, September and October, and can cause severe allergic reactions.
She also said that before the pandemic, before people started wearing masks more often, allergists were experiencing what they called the “September spike.” This refers to an increase in diseases, as well as an increase in pollen such as ragweed. According to air purifier manufacturer AprilAire , autumn allergies can occur during what is known as a “second summer” or fall when temperatures are unseasonably warm because the temperature allows pollen to continue to circulate.
How do you know if you are sick or have allergies?
As Lomas noted, “there are a lot of symptoms that overlap between an allergy and an infection,” so it can be tricky to figure out what’s going on. Sneezing, for example, may be present in both cases, but eye symptoms such as redness and swelling, especially when accompanied by itching, are much more common with allergies. Any itching is actually more of an allergy sign. This includes itchy eyes, but also itchy ears and nose – and you don’t have to have all three.
On the other hand, she said, if you have a high fever or “flu-like” symptoms, such as body aches, you may have a viral illness, such as the flu or COVID-19. A sore throat is another of those symptoms that can come with illness or allergies, but it’s more common if you have an infection, such as strep throat or a virus. If you have asthma, wheezing can also be a sign of an illness or allergy.
“If you’ve had recent contact with someone who has been sick, you should suspect an infection, not an allergy,” she said, adding that allergies are not contagious. If you are not sure, go to the doctor.
What to do with autumn seasonal allergies
The treatment is very effective, Lomas said, and you can manage it with over-the-counter remedies if you suspect or identify fall triggers as the cause of your symptoms. However, if your symptoms continue to bother you, consider seeing an allergist, who can offer additional treatment and testing to identify specific triggers.
You may be offered immunotherapy, which involves reducing your sensitivity to allergens over time by giving you controlled doses as injections or tablets under the tongue.