Allergy or Virus?
With such a challenging time, determining if your symptoms are allergy or virus related can be confusing, a sneeze or a cough can trigger even more anxiety about the COVID19, And Springtime is here! Allergic disease is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world.
For people with allergies or asthma, worry can be exacerbated, as many people are concerned that any symptoms, they have right now may be a sign of the pandemic coronavirus. It’s important to know the difference between an allergy or virus, as they can share some of the same symptoms such as a possible cough or shortness of breath.
The severity of symptoms during an allergic reaction can vary widely. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
| Allergy Symptoms | COVID19 Symptoms | Flu Symptoms |
| Itchy, watery eyes | Fever | Cough |
| Itchy nose/Stuffy nose (Often) | Cough | Fever |
| Sneezing (Often) | Shortness of breath | Shortness of Breath |
| Runny nose | Difficulty breathing | Fatigue (Sometimes) |
| Rashes | Other symptoms can include: | Headache (Sometimes) |
| Cough | Tiredness | Body aches (Sometimes) |
| Stomach Cramps | Aches | Diarrhea/G.I. (Sometimes) |
| Vomiting | Runny nose | Stuffy Nose (Rare) |
| Diarrhea | Sore Throat | Sneezing (Rare) |
| Bloating | ||
| Rashes | ||
| Hives | ||
| Swelling | ||
| Redness | ||
| Pain/Body Aches (Often) | ||
| Tongue Swelling | ||
| Wheezing | ||
| Throat Closing or Sore Throat (Often) | ||
| A sense of “impending doom” | ||
| Chest tightness and losing your breath | ||
| Feeling faint, light-headed or “blacking out” | ||
Source: Yale Newhaven Health
Are people with allergies or asthma at higher risk for coronavirus?
Yes, asthma may increase your risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Allergy sufferers can expect to experience the sniffles this spring, too.
Allergies involve the airways, sinuses and lungs and coronavirus tends to target the respiratory/lung, getting allergies under control will make it less likely for the virus to get in. If your allergies and asthma are under control your less likely to get an infection.
Itchiness, a major symptom of allergies does not appear to be associated with the coronavirus.
Why is it so difficult to develop treatments for viral illnesses?
An antiviral drug must be able to target the specific part of a virus’s life cycle that is necessary for it to reproduce. In addition, an antiviral drug must be able to kill a virus without killing the human cell it occupies. And viruses are highly adaptive. Because they reproduce so rapidly, they have plenty of opportunity to mutate (change their genetic information) with each new generation, developing resistance to whatever drugs or vaccines we develop.[1]
Good News…I have been getting reports from Functional Medicine doctors/practitioners all over the nation having great results in treating their patients with COVID-19.
So what is perhaps the primary determinant of your immune system?
- Your gut health.
- The more diverse microbiome in your gut, the better your immune system functions.
Your gut health can significantly impact your mood and emotional well-being, support you to lose weight, boost your natural immunity – and help you chart a true course toward health and vitality.
It’s important to take the right probiotic that is active. Do you know that probiotic organisms convert undigested soluble fibers (e.g., inulin, beta-glucan, and pectin) into short-chain fatty acids like butyric acid to energize the colon’s lining to healthily regenerate its cells? Please note Non-spore probiotics that are not individually sealed last a maximum of 2 months once the bottle is opened, whether they are refrigerated or not. A great basic probiotic is the RestoraFlora that has a long shelf life.
The most cutting edge resilient “Spore probiotics” are:
- Level 1 – RestoraFlora
- Level 2 – HU58
- Level 3 – Sporebiotic
Why is it so important to build up your immune system?
Allergic reactions begin in your immune system. When a harmless substance such as dust, mold, or pollen is encountered by a person who is allergic to that substance, the immune system may overreact. It may produce antibodies that attack the allergen. These can cause:
- Wheezing
- Itching
- Runny Nose
- Watery or itchy eyes, and other symptoms.
The purpose of the immune system is to defend itself and keep microorganisms, such as certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, out of the body. It also destroys any infectious microorganisms that do invade the body. [2]
What can I do to keep my immune system strong?
Following general health guidelines is the best step you can take toward keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a diet high in vegetables and unprocessed food.
- Take a multivitamin to get the 30 plus nutrients your cells need to stay healthy.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control your stress level. CBD has a lot of backed science for multiple levels of benefits.
- Control your blood pressure.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation (no more than one to two drinks a day for men, no more than one a day for women).
- Get enough sleep. Try R.E.M. sleep for a restful night; the product has a great balance to rebuild levels of critical sleep nutrients.
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and trying not to touch your hands to your face, since harmful germs can enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Preparing for social distancing, self-quarantine, or self-isolation: Schedule an appointment for food prep and save yourself hours of time!
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