Hay fever sufferers have been given advice on how to avoid confusing their allergy with signs of coronavirus.
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) said some people might be concerned that there was an overlap in symptoms. Its chairman, Professor Martin Marshall, said: “We would normally expect to see a number of patients at this time of year suffering with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever – an allergic reaction to various types of pollen.
“Typically, patients suffering with hay fever will experience symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore and watering eyes – but also sometimes a cough. Some of these presenting problems, especially a cough, can also be symptoms of Covid-19.” He separately told the BBC on Monday: “It’s not surprising given the overlap between some hay fever symptoms and mild coronavirus that people might be concerned.”
