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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

headshot of Bill Bangert By Bill Bangert 513-558-4519
2 minute read July 27, 2022

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.  

Professor Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD shown here his in lab at MSB. UC/ Joseph Fuqua UC/Joseph Fuqua II

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."

Read the entire story here.

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