Every year, flu season brings a wave of coughs, fevers, and body aches. But in recent years, patients have also had to navigate the overlap of seasonal allergies and COVID-19. Because these conditions share similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to know what’s causing your discomfort—and when to seek medical care.
At ENT & Allergy Associates (ENTA), serving patients across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, our specialists want to help you understand the key differences so you can stay healthy and informed.
Common Symptom Overlaps
All three—flu, allergies, and COVID—can cause congestion, coughing, fatigue, and a runny nose. However, there are important distinctions to look for:
Flu (Influenza)
- Onset: Sudden
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, headache
- Key Difference: Fever and body aches are more common and pronounced than in allergies.
Seasonal Allergies
- Onset: Gradual, tied to exposure (pollen, dust, mold, pets)
- Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, clear runny nose, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip
- Key Difference: Allergies do not cause fever, and itchy eyes are a hallmark.
COVID-19
- Onset: Can be gradual or sudden
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, congestion, sore throat, body aches
- Key Difference: Loss of taste or smell is strongly linked to COVID, though it can occur with congestion from other causes.
When to Seek Care
Knowing when to reach out to a healthcare provider is crucial.
- Flu: If you have a sudden high fever, severe body aches, or worsening symptoms, seek care. Antiviral medications can help if started early.
- Allergies: If over-the-counter medications don’t control symptoms, or if nasal congestion leads to sinus infections or asthma flare-ups, it’s time to see an allergy or ENT specialist.
- COVID-19: If you test positive or have symptoms consistent with COVID, seek medical guidance, especially if you are at higher risk. Seek immediate care if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion.
How ENTA Can Help
At ENT & Allergy Associates, our expert team offers comprehensive care for flu-related complications, allergies, and respiratory issues. We provide:
- Allergy testing and treatments
- Sinus and breathing evaluations
- Guidance for managing overlapping symptoms
- Same-day and telehealth visits when urgent care is needed
Bottom Line
While flu, allergies, and COVID-19 share certain symptoms, key differences—such as fever, body aches, and itchy eyes—can help you identify the likely cause. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to get evaluated by a professional.
Your health and peace of mind matter. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment with ENTA today to get the right diagnosis and the care you need.