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Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
The 11 symptoms that indicate Covid not hay fever as 'Nimbus' variant hits UK
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Symptoms can differentiate a Covid infection from hay fever, despite some signs of these conditions overlapping. There are distinct ways to tell them apart. This year has seen millions across Britain grappling with the annoyance of hay fever symptoms as the Met Office reports "very high" pollen counts in certain areas. Hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, often leading to sneezing, a blocked nose, headaches, and even loss of smell which overlap with COVID-19 indicators. Dr Luke Powles, an associate clinical director at Bupa, stated: "Despite Hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September. This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus." A concern for many is the spread of a new Covid variant known as NB. 1.8.1 (or Nimbus) throughout the UK. As per data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), hospital admissions for Covid have jumped by nearly 10 percent with 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31, reports Surrey Live. However, there are ways to distinguish hay fever from Covid. The main sign to look for is a high temperature, which occurs when someone has coronavirus but not hay fever. The NHS says this means "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)". It can also cause shivering. Dr Powles noted that a temperature is "not likely" to occur with hay fever. He explained: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your sense of smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Furthermore, Covid tends to make the affected person feel more unwell in general. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," he added. In contrast, Covid can be severe in some cases, with symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years in the case of long Covid. According to the NHS, "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover." Additionally, Covid can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, which are not typically associated with hay fever. These symptoms include feeling or being sick and experiencing diarrhoea. If you suspect you have Covid, it is recommended to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you or your child have symptoms and either: Have a high temperature Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or engage in normal activities The NHS advises that you can resume "normal activities" when you feel better or no longer have a high temperature. Common symptoms of hay fever include: Sneezing and coughing A runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Loss of smell Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead Headache Feeling tired Symptoms of Covid can include: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
6 hours ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
The 11 symptoms that indicate Covid not hay fever as 'Nimbus' variant hits UK
Symptoms can differentiate a Covid infection from hay fever, despite some signs of these conditions overlapping. There are distinct ways to tell them apart. This year has seen millions across Britain grappling with the annoyance of hay fever symptoms as the Met Office reports "very high" pollen counts in certain areas. Hay fever is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, often leading to sneezing, a blocked nose, headaches, and even loss of smell which overlap with COVID-19 indicators. Dr Luke Powles, an associate clinical director at Bupa, stated: "Despite Hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September. This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus." A concern for many is the spread of a new Covid variant known as NB. 1.8.1 (or Nimbus) throughout the UK. As per data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), hospital admissions for Covid have jumped by nearly 10 percent with 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31, reports Surrey Live. However, there are ways to distinguish hay fever from Covid. The main sign to look for is a high temperature, which occurs when someone has coronavirus but not hay fever. The NHS says this means "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)". It can also cause shivering. Dr Powles noted that a temperature is "not likely" to occur with hay fever. He explained: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your sense of smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Furthermore, Covid tends to make the affected person feel more unwell in general. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," he added. In contrast, Covid can be severe in some cases, with symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years in the case of long Covid. According to the NHS, "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover." Additionally, Covid can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, which are not typically associated with hay fever. These symptoms include feeling or being sick and experiencing diarrhoea. If you suspect you have Covid, it is recommended to stay at home and avoid contact with others if you or your child have symptoms and either: Have a high temperature Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or engage in normal activities The NHS advises that you can resume "normal activities" when you feel better or no longer have a high temperature. Common symptoms of hay fever include: Sneezing and coughing A runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Loss of smell Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead Headache Feeling tired Symptoms of Covid can include: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
How to tell if you have hay fever or Covid as Nimbus strain shows key sign
Here's how to tell the difference between Covid and hay fever, as a new coronavirus variant sweeps the UK. Millions in the UK are grappling with the pesky symptoms of hay fever amidst "very high" pollen counts in some areas, as reported by the Met Office. But, at the same time, a new Covid strain is on the rise. Hay fever, an allergic reaction primarily to pollen, triggers sneezing, blocked noses, headaches, and sometimes loss of smell – symptoms that overlap with those of Covid-19. Dr Luke Powles from Bupa clarifies: "Despite hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September. This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus." With the arrival of the new Covid variant, NB. 1.8.1 or Nimbus, the UK has seen a near 10 per cent increase in coronavirus-related hospital admissions. Around 950 patients were admitted in the week ending May 31, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Nevertheless, distinguishing between hay fever and Covid is possible, with a high temperature being a key sign of coronavirus but not associated with hay fever, reports the Mirror. The NHS highlights that a high temperature implies "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)", which could also lead to shivering. Contrasting the symptoms of hay fever, Dr Powles points out that a raised temperature is "not likely" in relation to hay fever. He added: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Moreover, those afflicted with Covid may experience a more intense degree of illness. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," the health expert explained. However, Covid poses a potential for more severity, with symptoms sometimes lasting significantly longer, even contributing to long Covid complications as per NHS insights. Dr Powles said: "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu." While many recover from coronavirus comparatively quickly, the NHS acknowledges that some may need a longer period to convalesce. Gastrointestinal disturbances, uncommon in hay fever cases, are another facet of Covid symptomatology, encompassing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The recommended action if you believe you've caught Covid is to isolate and cut social interactions if you or your youngster manifests symptoms and either: Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Once convalescence begins or the high temperature subsides, the NHS advises that individuals can recommence their "normal activities". Hay fever symptoms commonly include: Sneezing and coughing A runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Loss of smell Pain around your temples and forehead Headache Fatigue In contrast, Covid symptoms may include: A high temperature or experiencing chills – this implies feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back (there's no need to take your temperature) A new, persistent cough – this refers to coughing excessively for over an hour, or having three or more bouts of coughing within 24 hours A loss or alteration in your sense of smell or taste Breathlessness Feeling fatigued or worn out Bodily aches A headache A sore throat A congested or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling nauseous or vomiting
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor's signs you have Covid not hay fever as UK hit by NB.1.8.1
Due do some overlap in symptoms it could be difficult to know if you have hay fever or coronavirus Key symptoms can help tell apart a Covid infection from hay fever, despite some similarities in how they present. This year, millions of people in the UK have been tormented by the aggravating symptoms of hay fever, coinciding with "very high" pollen counts reported by the Met Office in certain regions. Hay fever is an allergic response to airborne substances, predominantly pollen, leading to sneezing, nasal congestion, headaches, and sometimes even loss of smell. These symptoms are also common to COVID-19. Doctor Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa, explained: "Despite hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September. This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus." The relevance of this distinction has grown with the emergence of a new Covid strain known as NB. 1.8.1 (or Nimbus), which is making its way through the UK. According to recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there's been a near 10 per cent uptick in Covid-related hospital admissions, with 947 patients admitted in the week concluding on May 31. However, differentiating hay fever from Covid is possible. The principal indicator to watch for is a high temperature, indicative of coronavirus but not associated with hay fever. The NHS advises that this means "you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)". It may also lead to chills. Dr Powles has clarified that it is "not likely" for you to experience a raised temperature as a result of hay fever. He said: "Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus." Additionally, Covid tends to make people feel more unwell overall. "Hay fever symptoms aren't usually serious and, generally, you won't feel too ill," he added. In contrast, Covid can be severe in certain instances and its symptoms may persist for weeks, months, or even years in the case of long Covid. The NHS notes: "The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover." Covid is also known to cause gastrointestinal issues, which are not associated with hay fever. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If you suspect you have contracted Covid, the advice is to self-isolate and avoid contact with others if you or your child exhibit symptoms and either: Have a high temperature Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or carry out your normal activities. According to the NHS, you can resume your "normal activities" once you feel better or no longer have a high temperature. Typical hay fever symptoms consist of: Sneezing and coughing A runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Loss of smell Pain around your temples and forehead Headache Fatigue Article continues below Symptoms of Covid can encompass: A high temperature or experiencing chills – this implies feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back (there's no need to take your temperature) A new, persistent cough – this refers to coughing excessively for over an hour, or having three or more bouts of coughing within 24 hours A loss or alteration in your sense of smell or taste Breathlessness Feeling fatigued or worn out Bodily aches A headache A sore throat A congested or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling nauseous or vomiting
