Are you feeling a slight sniffle, cough or headache? This winter brings an extra layer of worry for mountain cedar sufferers as they try to decipher the difference between mountain cedar allergies and COVID-19.

The CDC has shared this helpful Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities of seasonal allergies to COVID-19. The biggest difference is that COVID-19 may cause: fever, chills, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea while seasonal allergies will not.

If you are experiencing a mixture of these symptoms it could be possible that you have contracted the COVID-19 virus while also being affected by mountain cedar pollen in the air. The only way to know for sure is by getting a COVID-19 test.

Taking extra precaution to wear a mask and social distance this winter is advised. If you believe that you may have COVID-19, be sure to get tested and quarantine to avoid spreading the virus to others. If you are having trouble breathing, or other emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.

AllergySA is not a current testing site for COVID-19. For a list of testing locations please visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing#TestingLocation

A COVID-19 Vaccine is days away from approval. For up to date information on the vaccination, visit our COVID-19 Information page at: https://allergysa.com/covid19/#COVID-Vaccination

San Antonio has been ranked the #5 most challenging U.S. city to live in with pollen allergies, according to the Spring Allergy Capitals Report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

The city jumped from the 22^nd spot in 2016 to the 5^th spot in 2018 because of the report’s findings on the following factors:

• Pollen and mold counts
• Allergy medication usage
• Availability of board-certified allergists

San Antonio is not the only South Texas city to make the top of the list. McAllen, Texas came in at #1 followed by: #2: Louisville, Kentucky, #3: Jackson, Mississippi, and #4: Memphis, Tennessee. See the full 2018 Spring Allergy Capitals report here.

According to Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA, the report, “helps people in these areas be more aware of what may contribute to their allergy symptoms, so they can work with their health care providers to get relief.”

The board-certified allergists and medical professionals of AllergySA are committed to caring for adult and pediatric patients with asthma, allergy and immunology issues in San Antonio and South Texas. With the right treatment plan, seasonal allergies can be managed for better quality of life.

If you have never been tested for seasonal allergies, contact AllergySA at (210) 616-0882 to set up a new patient appointment today.