Understanding the symptoms you’re experiencing can be challenging with the overlapping signs of colds, allergies, and COVID-19. While a cold typically does not cause shortness of breath, body aches, chills, or loss of appetite, and rarely a fever, seasonal allergies are triggered when the immune system mistakenly identifies a non-harmful substance like tree pollen as a threat. This can cause body tissues to swell, including in the throat, potentially leading to serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis symptoms might include itching, a red rash, hives, warmth, throat and tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache, and stomach cramps.

Fever is a hallmark symptom of COVID-19, unlike with allergies, which do not generally cause high fevers or extreme fatigue. COVID-19 can lead to significant fatigue and body aches—symptoms not commonly seen with allergies. Allergies typically present with sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, congestion, postnasal drip, and sometimes headache and fatigue.

Patients with allergy symptoms often experience intense itching in their nose and eyes, along with sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Conversely, viral infections like COVID-19 or the flu often include a sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and fever, in addition to nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Many allergens can trigger anaphylaxis, including foods, medications, and insect stings. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases.

For more detailed information about these conditions, explore the resources provided by experts in the field:
Harvard Health,
University of Rochester Medical Center,
RUSH,
University of Rochester Medical Center,
The Well by Northwell,
and
The Well by Northwell.