The UK is grappling with a surge in hay fever and Covid cases, as the Met Office warns of “very high” pollen levels causing misery for millions. Hay fever and Covid-19 share symptoms like sneezing and headaches, but are distinct; hay fever is an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, while Covid-19 is caused by a virus.
Bupa’s Associate Clinical Director Dr Luke Powles has highlighted: “Despite hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September. This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus.”
Complicating matters further is the emergence of a new Covid strain known as NB. 1.8.1, or Nimbus, which has seen Covid-related hospital admissions jump nearly 10%, with 947 admissions in the week ending May 31. Health experts point out that one distinguishing symptom of Covid-19 not found in hay fever sufferers is a high temperature – a sign of Covid that means “you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)”, as per NHS guidance, which could also result in chills, reports Essex Live.
Dr Powles has made it clear that a raised temperature is “not likely” to be a symptom of hay fever, explaining: “Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus.” Moreover, Covid often leaves sufferers feeling significantly under the weather. “Hay fever symptoms aren’t usually serious and, generally, you won’t feel too ill,” he noted.
In stark contrast, Covid can be quite severe and its effects may linger for an extended period, potentially leading to long Covid. The NHS points out: “The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover.”
Additionally, Covid is associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, which are not a feature of hay fever. These can manifest as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The guidance remains to self-isolate and limit contact with others if you or your child display symptoms. Per NHS guidelines, individuals can return to their “normal activities” once they have recovered or the high temperature subsides.
Common signs of hay fever include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Fatigue
Covid symptoms, on the other hand, may include:
- A high temperature or experiencing chills – this implies feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back (there’s no need to take your temperature)
- A new, persistent cough – this refers to coughing excessively for over an hour, or having three or more bouts of coughing within 24 hours
- A loss or alteration in your sense of smell or taste
- Breathlessness
- Feeling fatigued or worn out
- Bodily aches
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A congested or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting