As Autumn Approaches.. How to Distinguish Between Allergies and Respiratory Viruses?
Amman2 min read
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With the onset of autumn, there is increasing confusion between the symptoms of allergies and respiratory viruses, as some symptoms, particularly coughing and nasal itching, are similar. However, the presence of fever, fatigue, exhaustion, and muscle pain can help distinguish between viral infections and allergies, as explained by Dr. Mohammad Hassan Al-Tarawneh, a specialist in chest and respiratory diseases and allergies, President of the Jordanian Respiratory Care Association, and Secretary-General of the Arab Association of Chest Physicians, to Alrai.
Dr. Al-Tarawneh told Alrai that allergies usually appear as episodes of coughing and nasal itching, and are often not accompanied by general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, exhaustion, and muscle pain.
He explained that respiratory viruses are usually accompanied by fatigue, exhaustion, and a rise in temperature, and their symptoms are more severe and persistent, noting that muscle pain and general fatigue are signs that help differentiate them from allergies.
He pointed out that the drop in temperature is not the main reason for the spread of respiratory viruses, but one of the contributing factors, along with dry air, which may help viruses survive and spread longer, in addition to increased indoor stay and reduced ventilation.
He added that the return of students to schools and universities increases the importance of raising awareness about the symptoms of respiratory viruses and ways to prevent them, especially with the start of the season during which these viruses may spread and reach a seasonal peak.
He pointed out that about 90 percent of those infected with respiratory viruses may recover spontaneously, but there are groups more susceptible to complications and in need of greater protection and follow-up.
Regarding prevention, Dr. Al-Tarawneh differentiated between the flu vaccine and what is known as the'seasonal allergy shot', emphasizing that the flu vaccine is an important preventive measure and is given once a year with annual updates.
In contrast, he warned against the indiscriminate use of 'allergy shots', explaining that some of these injections contain long-term cortisone and their use may lead to complications and side effects, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, eye problems, and osteoporosis.
He stressed the importance of consulting a doctor to determine the cause of symptoms and appropriate treatment, and not to rely solely on pharmacy advice, especially when symptoms persist or worsen, noting that it is not recommended to take the flu vaccine during the period of infection.
