One big difference between COVID-19 and hay fever symptoms

With the first day of spring upon us, many Aussies are excited for some warmer weather and more outdoor time.

But for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, this time of the year can be a lot of stress, particularly living in a world with COVID-19.

General practitioner, Dr Brad McKay told Today Extra there is one big difference that will help you know whether you have coronavirus or are just being impacted by the extra pollen in the air.

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"The main symptom that sets hay fever apart from COVID-19 is having itchy eyes," Dr McKay said.

"If you have COVID-19, you are more likely to have a fever, muscle headaches and diarrhoea - hay fever won't cause that to happen."

While antihistamines are the way to go for many hay fever sufferers, Dr McKay said nasal steroids are also an effective way to keep allergy symptoms at bay.

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"That is a way of getting your hay fever symptoms under control and I would recommend starting it now," Dr McKay said.

"So if you haven't already started your intranasal steroids get into it early because it takes a few weeks until it really kicks in."

Watch the full segment above

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