Allergy season is in full swing and students may be dealing with related symptoms. Last spring semester, students were home due to COVID-19. However, the 2021 school year has students on campus at the same time pollen will be spreading through the wind. The stress of deciphering whether someone is suffering from allergies or COVID-19 will be ever-present.

The two share many similar symptoms, including sore throats, fatigue and coughing.

“If you come [into Health Services] for symptoms that you typically associate with allergies, we might need to isolate you until we get the COVID-19 results back,” said Nancy Hughes, Family Nurse Practitioner at RWU Health Services. “Being on a college campus, we need to follow the RIDOH (Rhode Island Department of Health) guidelines for isolation.”

There is not a blanket answer as to how one can exactly decipher the difference between COVID-19 and allergies. COVID-19 has a whole range of symptoms that not every infected person suffers with or experiences to the same magnitude as others.

“I think it’s going to be pretty messed up,” said sophomore El Segall. “There are going to be people confusing allergies for COVID and COVID for allergies.”

Springtime is a common time for people with allergies to get nasal congestion and a sore throat. However, there could be a chance that it is COVID-19, or even allergies and COVID-19. If students are really unsure, they should check in with Health Services.

It is important to note that allergies do not cause a certain number of COVID-19 symptoms, including fevers, chills, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea. Students should continue their testing regimen and contact Health Services at (401) 254-3156 if they have any questions or concerns.