Opinion: Spring allergies have sprung
It’s coronavirus vs. allergies in this spring’s new series of outbreaks and health concerns.
How do we tell if we have coronavirus symptoms or if it’s just allergies?
As we’ve become accustomed to know, the symptoms of coronavirus include loss of taste and smell, and those symptoms can linger for weeks or even months after being sick.
Health Essentials estimates allergy season generally begins around March and can last as far into July. The main cause can be attributed to pollen, mold spores, dust and dander from animals.
Allergies are not a huge hindrance — compared to the last few years — but there are still a myriad of germs from the constant coughing, sneezing and sniffling which is intensified by warmer weather.
When you go to blow your noses remember to put on hand sanitizer and/or wash your hands. When you cough or sneeze, it’s better to cough into your elbow, especially in a public place and especially if you’re not wearing a mask.
If it’s not allergies or coronavirus, then you might have the flu. It may depend on how long your symptoms last.
News in Health published an article with an expert in infectious diseases, Aubree Gordon from the University of Michigan.
“Someone with flu usually has symptoms 1 to 4 days after being infected. A person with COVID-19 typically shows symptoms about 5 days after infection, although this can range from 2 to 14 days,” Gordon said.
In order to avoid getting infected and infecting others, you can visit locations on campus to get vaccines and local pharmacies and health centers in Logan to get vaccines for all sorts of diseases. Though, there is not yet a cure for the common cold.
No matter the symptoms, everyone should be getting tested for the coronavirus regularly.
In an interview with KMOV4, Jennifer Monroy spoke on a segment on how to be more careful this season. She said that allergy medication should be taken carefully, with children taking half the normal dose for adults.
Students should be aware of this in order to better their community and families that they know and be able to take care of their households.
For some people, allergy symptoms are present all year long, so figuring out if they have a worse disease or infection is much more difficult. Taking proper medication, getting tested and making sure those around you are aware of your problems are a safe way to take care of yourself and be respectful of others.
As masks are becoming less common, even with the coronavirus still being present in Utah, we can’t be so reliant on the majority of students and staff having been vaccinated thanks to the mandate. We have to be aware that the vaccine is not perfect and booster shots are probably the most viable option.
If you or someone you know has allergy symptoms and may regularly suffer from them, it’s best to get tested right away. Better safe than sorry.
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Megan Cowdell is a second-year communications student. She loves going on bike rides, reading mystery novels and watching cheesy movies.
— A02334008@usu.edu
Featured image by Phil Weber