Are My Symptoms COVID or Springtime Allergies? A St. Cloud Doctor Answers

(KNSI) – Spring 2021 is marked by the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the American population and the glimpses of a post-pandemic future ahead. But, like any spring, it also brings seasonal allergies for many people. With COVID-19 still spreading around Minnesota, it might be unclear if certain symptoms are COVID-19 or just allergies.

Dr. Kim Tjaden, a St. Cloud-based family medicine doctor, says there is a lot of overlap between allergy symptoms and COVID symptoms.

“If you develop a runny nose or some post-nasal drainage or itchy, watery eyes, I think that can still all be COVID,” Tjaden said. “Because COVID is so variable from no symptoms to really severe symptoms, I think I would treat anything that even I feel like is my typical, you know, allergic kind of stuff, as if that’s what it is and get tested before I go out, especially if I’m going to be with other people.”

Along with getting tested, Tjaden recommends continuing to wear face masks and social distance while around other people.

“We just still have to be vigilant that the light at the end of the tunnel is within sight, but we are not there yet.”

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