ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — As fall leaves blow through the air, so does pollen.
But, health officials are urging people to make sure their allergy-like symptoms are not actually the result of COVID-19.
Fall allergies and COVID-19 can cause some overlapping symptoms, according to the Rowan County Health Department. Both can lead to sneezing, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue and trouble sleeping.
The county's health department said in a statement that people should "remain vigilant" when it comes to testing and other COVID-19 safety measures.
The Rowan County Public Health Department is encouraging residents to do the following:
Be aware: Recognize that fall allergies can cause symptoms similar to COVID-19, especially when seasonal allergens are prevalent
Get tested: If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to get tested for COVID-19. Free at home COVID-19 tests are readily available at the Rowan County Public Health Department. Testing is the best way to confirm whether your symptoms are due to allergies or a COVID-19 infection
Follow safety measures: Continue to adhere to safety guidelines and take preventive measures, such as wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, and getting vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus
Vaccination: Keeping up to date with your vaccinations is the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration. If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself this fall and winter.
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