“Is it allergies or coronavirus?”
For about one week, I have been dealing with a scratchy throat. I chalked this up to allergies. Tonight at dinnertime, I was eating and my throat hurt as I was eating. I felt flush all over and felt very hot all of a sudden. I went to take my temperature and it read 100.2. I don't have a cough, aches or pains or chills. I have a bit of a runny nose. I took one ibprofren and waited an hour to check temperature again. It went down to 97.6. What do you make of this?
Female | 61 years old
Complaint duration: 12 days
Medications: thyroid, hydrozzine
Conditions: healthy - low thyroid
5 Answers
AllergyandImmunologySpecialistAllergist-Immunologist
You may have allergies but the symptoms of fever indicate an infection. COVID is not the only fall virus floating around. If you have a normal immune system and you test negative for COVID consider just taking tylenol for the fever and drinking additional water while sticking to a bland diet for a day or two for this infection to pass on its own. Stay on your usual allergy medications. If you are positive for COVID see your healthcare provider for advice. Dr.Z.
Very common question--usually at this time of the year, the "allergy triggers" have really decreased from the Fall season. Your symptoms can be due to a viral infection (COVID + other viruses), and these symptoms usually last < 1 week. If you have an indoor pet or dust mite allergy, winter "allergies" are common, but don't come and go. Once you have sensitivity, it lasts for several months at a time.
I’m not sure whether you actually have allergies or not. You didn’t indicate whether this had been a previous problem. But based on the symptoms you described it seems like it’s some type of infection. If it persists you might need an antibiotic
Hello, thank you for your question! Allergies will likely be bothersome over time with a runny nose, congestion and sometimes a scratchy throat but will never cause a fever or the sensation of feeling flushed or hot from allergies. You will want to monitor your condition and see your primary care doctor for these symptoms.
The best thing to do is discuss this with your primary physician.
