It’s allergy and cold season, and during a pandemic, it can be tough to distinguish between what someone might be suffering from.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says symptoms of allergies include itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, coughing and sinus congestion. She points out there are similar symptoms compared to COVID-19. However, the more advanced symptoms of the virus include fever, chills, body aches, shortness of breath, stomach pains, dizziness and headaches. Wolf describes how extreme some headaches that COVID-19 causes.

“They felt like their eyeballs were coming out from the back of their head. That’s how uncomfortable and painful those headaches were. It’s different from other headaches they’ve had.” 

Wolf notes that the loss of taste and smell is a major indicator for COVID-19.

“And that doesn’t always happen on that first couple of days. Sometimes it’s a little bit delayed before that pops in and they notice it. That particular symptom can last for weeks after the person has recovered.”    

Wolf suggests getting tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing any of the related symptoms. You can also call the COVID-19 Hotline with Greene County Public Health at 515-386-0564.