Cincinnati.com: Sore throat. Sneezing. Coughing. Is it allergies or COVID-19? We asked the experts
UC expert says there may be confusion and overlap from symptoms
The latest COVID-19 subvariants have pushed hospitalizations and cases in Greater Cincinnati high enough that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week recommended indoor masking in eight local counties. Many people are experiencing symptoms that could be from COVID or allergies. Cincinnati.com asked some local experts to weigh in, including Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine/Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Marketing + Brand
“Don’t assume it is ‘just allergies,'" Fichtenbaum said.
The most common symptoms of the latest subvariants coursing through the region are scratchy throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, achiness, sore throat and cough, he said. “It is true there may be overlap and confusion with allergies."
His advice: “If you have sudden onset of new symptoms, test for COVID."
All of the experts cited by Cincinnati. com pointed to vaccines as the best protection from getting COVID-19.
"Vaccines are one component that is keeping people out of the hospital," said Fichtenbaum. "Having some immunity is better than no immunity. Very important to be vaccinated and boosted."
Next Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission and is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-35 public research universities. UC's graduate students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
News Cincinnati loved in 2025
January 2, 2026
The story of prohibition bootlegger George Remus was among WLWT's favorite segments in 2025. UC Law Professor Christopher Bryant spoke with journalist Lindsay Stone about Remus using a temporary insanity defense during a murder trial.
What to know about this year’s big tax changes
January 2, 2026
Local 12 reported that taxpayers can expect some major changes this tax season. Gary Friedhoff, adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, recently spoke to Local 12 about how to avoid surprises.
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.