Coronavirus Pandemic: How Does COVID-19 Affect Allergy Sufferers?

Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year. With the spring season just around the corner during the coronavirus pandemic, experts believe that allergy sufferers might be more prone to catch diseases like the COVID-19, especially if there is an outbreak in their community.

Coronaviruses can spread via infected surfaces including screen devices, door handles, lift buttons, stair railings, etc – and then touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth. During seasonal allergies, people often tend to touch or scratch their eyes, wipe or blow their nose. Those with allergies tend to touch their faces more often compared to others. And this could make it easier for the coronaviruses to spread, mentioned Cleveland.com.

“A virus may have a little easier time getting into somebody that has allergies,” Cleveland.com mentioned Dr. Steven Houser, a MetroHealth ear, nose and throat doctor, who specializes in nasal and allergy symptoms as saying.

Even though allergies are an immune reaction, individuals with allergies, unfortunately, do not have any better chance of fighting off an infection such as novel coronavirus. Health experts opine that even though people with allergies have a revved-up immunity, they cannot really fight infections any better. The revved-up immunity is against the allergens and not infections such as the coronaviruses.

In general, individuals suffering from seasonal allergies experience worsening of their symptoms during any respiratory illnesses, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

It is quite unfortunate that this year’s allergy season coincides with the coronavirus outbreak. While the public is already on edge about COVID-19, those suffering from seasonal allergies might have a tougher time distinguishing their allergy symptoms from possible COVID-19 infection. Since some symptoms of cold and flu, seasonal allergies and COVID-19 coincide, it can create panic as well.

Per the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, those suffering from allergies typically have symptoms including runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, fatigue and headache. And the three main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, shortness of breath and dry cough. People suffering from allergies wouldn’t develop a fever and that can tell these two apart, mentioned the Health.