For many, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic coincides with their yearly bout of seasonal allergies. That may cause concern for those who wonder whether their dry cough or shortness of breath is caused by allergies or COVID-19.

Purvi S. Parikh, MD, allergist and clinical assistant professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, speaks with Fox News to help explain when symptoms may indicate COVID-19. “Generally, coronavirus will also have a fever with it over 100.4,” she says. “Also, up to 50 percent of people with coronavirus can have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and they will also have more fatigue.” Allergies, on the other hand, are associated with more “itchy” symptoms, such as a runny nose and watery eyes.

Dr. Parikh encourages people not to panic: “If you are prone to allergies and asthma this time of year, and if you do not have a fever or gastrointestinal issues, it’s likely it is not coronavirus,” she adds.

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