(KNSI) – Spring 2021 is marked by the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the American population and the glimpses of a post-pandemic future ahead. But, like any spring, it also brings seasonal allergies for many people. With COVID-19 still spreading around Minnesota, it might be unclear if certain symptoms are COVID-19 or just allergies.
Dr. Kim Tjaden, a St. Cloud-based family medicine doctor, says there is a lot of overlap between allergy symptoms and COVID symptoms.
“If you develop a runny nose or some post-nasal drainage or itchy, watery eyes, I think that can still all be COVID,” Tjaden said. “Because COVID is so variable from no symptoms to really severe symptoms, I think I would treat anything that even I feel like is my typical, you know, allergic kind of stuff, as if that’s what it is and get tested before I go out, especially if I’m going to be with other people.”