Is It Allergies, a Cold, Influenza, or COVID?

As I was mapping out topics to share this month, I knew I wanted to give some advice on identifying allergies, colds, flu, and COVID-19. Sadly, it is that time of year when we may need to know the difference.

I know from working with heart patients that a large number of people with heart failure (HF) do not solely have HF! Many may also have diabetes, COPD, or other chronic conditions. That said, getting sick is not ideal for anyone.

The last 5 years have been a learning experience for almost all of us, thanks to COVID. We have not had many big outbreaks for years at this point, but there has been quite an uptick in COVID cases in my city and many around the country.

So let’s take a moment to compare allergies, common colds, the flu, and COVID.

What could it be? Allergies, common cold, the flu, or COVID

Fall brings good things, like cooler temperatures, fall festivals, and FOOTBALL! But it also brings the persistent runny nose, itchy throat, and other symptoms of allergies for many people. It also is the time of year when we start seeing more people getting colds, the flu, and COVID.

The big question for many is how to tell if their symptoms are just allergies or something more serious. Let’s take a good look at the signs and symptoms of everything from allergies to COVID.

Allergies

According to research, ragweed, pollen, mold, and dust mites are the most common causes of allergies in the fall. In early August, ragweed releases its pollen, causing many people to start experiencing allergy symptoms. This can continue through early October. Mold spores also grow this time of year and will become even more common as the trees lose their leaves.¹

Allergy symptoms

• Itchy eyes, nose, sinuses, or ear canals
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery eyes
• Headache (sometimes)
• Shortness of breath

Allergy treatments often include some of the following:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like decongestants or antihistamines, which can reduce congestion, itching, and sneezing
• Nasal spray
• Eye drops, which may help relieve itchy, watery eyes

The common cold

When you have a cold you may feel pretty miserable. But the symptoms are often mild compared to more aggressive viruses like the flu or COVID. A cold may cause the following symptoms:²

Cold symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough (mild)
• Fatigue (sometimes)
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Headaches (rarely)
• Minor aches and pains

Many OTC cold medications may have, at their best, a moderate impact on symptoms of a cold. These medicines include things like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold medicine, etc. For most, the typical cold will last an average of 7 to 10 days, according to the Mayo Clinic.²

Interestingly enough, most of the symptoms we deal with are actually not caused by the infection itself. They are actually caused by our body's immune system trying to kick those germs out.

But as we all know, having heart disease, lung disease, or an autoimmune disease messes with our immune system too. So fighting a cold may be more difficult for us than for the average person.³

Now let’s take a good look at the differences between influenza (aka the flu) and COVID-19.

Is it influenza?

Seasonal influenza is active, and once it starts it generally comes on in a fast and furious way. Influenza is a common respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. It mostly affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can last 5 to 7 days.⁴

Flu symptoms

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough (usually dry and nonproductive)
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Sore throat (sometimes)
• Runny or stuffy nose (sometimes)
• Diarrhea (usually seen more in children)

When you have the flu, it's important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and follow the treatment recommendations of your doctor. If you are seen within the first 72 hours of the infection, you may be able to get medicine that will help to minimize the symptoms.

Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. Usually, the infections just need to run their course. It's best to wait, watch, and listen to your doctor's advice.

Coronavirus, or COVID-19

I know, no one wants to talk about COVID. But it’s still around. So let us do a refresher on who is most likely to contract COVID. These include people of advanced age and people with underlying severe health conditions (like heart failure, lung disease, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes).⁵

Possible COVID symptoms

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or loss of smell
• Diarrhea

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COVID-19 it is important to watch for emergency warning signs. If you or your family member develop any of the following, you need to seek care immediately.⁶

Emergency warning signs

• Increased trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New feelings of confusion
• Loss of ability to speak or move

Treatment for COVID will vary by person and the severity of the infection. Like with colds and influenza, rest is important. If the virus progresses to a more severe case your doctors will have to determine the best course of treatment depending on your symptoms.

It’s that time of year: FALL

Sadly, fall brings more than football and changing leaves. It brings runny noses, itchy eyes, and the big question of “Could this be COVID?"

The fall also brings all the germs brought about by the kiddos going back to school. It never fails: When kids go back to school, they become germy, bringing every germ home with them (especially the little kids). Teaching them to cover their mouths and wash their hands will hopefully keep them from bringing home every germ possible.

Managing allergies, colds, flu, and COVID with heart failure

If you have heart failure, do you feel you get sick more often? How do you manage your heart failure and getting sick?