Allergy Cough vs. COVID Cough: What Are the Differences?

An allergy cough and a COVID-19 cough can be similar. This makes it difficult to tell which condition you have just based on cough alone. A COVID-19 test is the only way you can know for sure if your cough is caused by COVID-19.

This article discusses the potential similarities and differences between a cough caused by allergies and a cough caused by COVID-19, including triggers and length of symptoms.

Characteristics of Allergy Cough vs. COVID Cough

Coughs caused by COVID-19 and coughs caused by allergies can seem very similar. You may be able to distinguish between a cough caused by allergies and a cough caused by COVID-19 or another virus based on the other symptoms you have with it.

It is also possible to have allergies and COVID-19 at the same time. When this happens, you may have classic allergy symptoms like itchy eyes along with COVID-19 symptoms like fever and loss of taste and smell. 

Allergy Cough

An allergy cough is a persistent cough that typically lasts longer than three weeks. It is usually dry and does not produce a lot of mucus.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergy triggered by environmental factors like pollen, plants, dust, and pets. If your cough is due to allergies, you may notice the cough only at certain times of the year.

If your cough is caused by allergies, you may have the following symptoms in addition to your cough:

• Itchy eyes, ears, mouth, or nose
• Hives or a skin rash
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Dark circles around the eyes

COVID-19 Cough

Like an allergy cough, the cough associated with COVID-19 is usually dry. However, the symptoms that may accompany your cough in the case of a COVID-19 infection are different.

If you have COVID-19, you may have some of the following symptoms in addition to your cough:

• Loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory issues
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
  

COVID-19 is caused by an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is spread via respiratory droplets. These droplets are typically expelled by an infected person through coughing or sneezing. Anyone who inhales these droplets is susceptible to COVID-19.

Long COVID is a condition in which a COVID-19 infection causes chronic symptoms. These symptoms may include cough, chronic fatigue, cognitive issues, shortness of breath, and pain.

Diagnosis

Typical seasonal allergy symptoms are often easy to identify. For example, the same symptoms start up every year when the trees begin to bloom. If you're not sure if you have allergies, however, you can get a diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

For COVID-19, home tests are available that can help you know if you are infected. You can also receive a COVID-19 diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

Allergies

Allergies are usually diagnosed by a physician who specializes in immunology, called an immunologist, or a physician who specializes in diagnosing allergies, called an allergist.

Either healthcare professional will review your medical history and your symptoms and perform a physical examination.

If they suspect allergies, they may order one or more tests, such as a skin prick test, an intradermal test, or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

COVID-19

There are various tests that can detect COVID-19, including home tests. Some are designed to detect a current (active) infection, while blood tests that look for antibodies can identify a previous infection with the virus.

The main types of tests available to detect COVID-19 include:

• Home tests: Some home tests identify genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Others look for antigens, which are small fragments of protein shed by the virus. Most home tests use a nasal swab to collect a sample for testing and provide results in about 10 to 30 minutes.
• Diagnostic molecular tests: These are the most reliable tests for diagnosing COVID-19. They use the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) DNA technique to detect the virus. This test is done via nasal or throat swab, or through a saliva sample.
• Diagnostic antigen test: These include rapid tests, which provide results more quickly, but are more likely to return an incorrect result and miss an active infection.
• Antibody test: These tests look for the immune system's response to the COVID-19 virus. These tests should not be used to detect an active infection.
  

Treatment

It's essential that you receive a proper diagnosis prior to undergoing treatment for an allergy cough or COVID-19-related cough.

While remedies to relieve symptoms, such as cough drops, may be similar for an allergy cough or a COVID-19 cough, the underlying cause of these conditions is very different, and there is almost no overlap when it comes to the treatment of the root cause.

Allergies

Identifying your allergy triggers and avoiding these substances is an important part of treating an allergy cough.

Allergies are typically treated with medications, including:

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Decongestants

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that present the only potential cure for allergies. Immunotherapy involves small injections or sublingual (under the tongue) administration of the allergen (the substance you are allergic to) over a period of time. This can desensitize your immune system to your allergy trigger. Immunotherapy is not available for every type of allergy.

COVID-19

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, or if your symptoms are very mild, you may be instructed to self-isolate and use over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), to manage your symptoms. You should also get plenty of rest and drink fluids.

The treatment options for COVID-19 are evolving. Treatment options include, but are not limited to, supplemental oxygen, Veklury (remdesivir), and, depending on the circumstances, Ozurdex (dexamethasone).

Prevention

Allergies and COVID-19 can both be prevented, though in very different ways. Because COVID-19 is very contagious, it is also important to be aware that protecting yourself will also protect others.

Allergies

The best way to prevent allergy symptoms, including a cough, is to identify and avoid allergy triggers. Allergy testing can identify the substance that is responsible for your cough and steps can be taken to avoid that substance.

For example, if you are allergic to pollen, monitor the pollen counts in your area and avoid going outside as much as possible during the times when counts are high. If you are allergic to dust, take care to rid the dust in your home, particularly in the room where you sleep.

It's also important to develop a treatment plan with your healthcare provider and stick to that plan.

COVID-19

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wear a face mask.
• Social distance.
• Avoid large crowds.
• Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash hands regularly.
• Clean and disinfect your space regularly.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or you suspect you may have it, it's imperative that you self-isolate to prevent spreading the infection.

A Word From Verywell

While both allergies and COVID-19 may cause a dry cough, many of the other symptoms associated with these conditions differ and can serve as an indication for which condition you have. Individuals who suffer from allergies have usually had symptoms in the past and know what to expect, while symptoms of COVID-19 will feel different and new.

The only definitive way to know the difference is to get tested for COVID-19 at a nearby testing facility, healthcare provider's office, or local pharmacy.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed. As new research becomes available, we’ll update this article. For the latest on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.