Aaliyah Royster

Staff writer

As the spring season continues, COVID-19 cases in Alexandria continue to rise, and the overlapping symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies leave many confused. In order to keep everyone safe, it is important to know when you should get tested for COVID-19, or if you’re just suffering from allergies.

Although many typical symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as common symptoms of seasonal allergies, there are some differences. Those infected with COVID-19 often exhibit fever, chills, and muscle aches; these are symptoms we don’t see in those suffering from typical seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies have symptoms such as irritated eyes, and a dry-itchy throat. But unfortunately, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share common symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.

Allergies and the coronavirus affect each person differently, so it is best to be safe rather than sorry. If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or you are feeling under the weather, it’s best to get a COVID-19 test. For on-site school COVID-19 testing, visit the Alexandria City Public Schools website for dates and times that testing is available. For other testing locations, visit the Alexandria Health Department’s website. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone aged five and up to get their primary dosage of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, and those 12 years and older should get their booster shot.