Doctor gives advice on allergy season

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The fall brings forth pumpkins and apples, but it also is the blooming season for some much less exciting vegetation.

Allergy season is here, and ragweed and goldenrod blooms are everywhere you look.

You may find yourself wondering, is it my allergies or COVID-19?

One local doctor says one way to tell is to pay attention to the speed of the onset of symptoms.

If it is allergies, it will likely be mild for a few days before getting bad.

Another thing to think about is, do I usually have issues with allergies in the fall?

Dr. Suman Sheker, a primary care pediatrician, says a lot of symptoms between COVID and allergies are similar but COVID often presents with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell or shortness of breath while allergies typically do not.

“[If] somebody is confused whether it is my allergy symptoms or whether it’s COVID-19, make sure you talk to your PCP. Make sure to get the testing done because testing will help with making absolutely sure if you have COVID-19,” said Sheker.

Sheker also says it is a good idea to get ahead of the allergy season by beginning preventative measures in your home by washing you face and hands when you come inside to prevent bringing pollen inside and washing your bedding a little extra to keep a clean sleeping environment.

She also encourages those who commonly have fall allergies to take antihistamines when appropriate and to shower at night so you are not sleeping with pollen on your skin.