This news item expired on Monday, November 30, 2020 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
At this point, it seems like all of us have mistaken a random cough, sneezing fit, or slight fatigue as a sign of COVID-19 infection. We encourage all Buncombe residents to be aware of their symptoms and take them seriously, but not every sniffle is a bad omen. There are a few easy ways you can determine the difference between symptoms of allergies and COVID-19.
While COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, there are some key differences between the two. For example, COVID-19 can cause fever, which is not a common symptom of seasonal allergies. To help you sort out what is what, the image below compares COVID symptoms with those of allergies.
*Seasonal allergies do not usually cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unless a person has a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by exposure to pollen. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-seasonal-allergies-faqs.html)
If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, stay indoors, away from others as much as possible, and contact a healthcare provider. You can also complete the Buncombe County COVID-19 Self-Checker to see if testing for COVID is recommended for you.
Testing for COVID-19 is widely available at urgent cares, federally qualified health centers, and through some primary care providers for those who need it. However, it remains important to focus on the prevention of COVID, first and foremost, to keep the virus from spreading further into the community and to loved ones.
Buncombe County offers drive-thru COVID-19 community testing at specified locations throughout the county. Community testing provides an easy and efficient way for those who live, work, or attend school in Buncombe County to get tested for COVID-19.
Buncombe County Community Testing is available by appointment only. Complete the Buncombe County COVID-19 Self-Checker to begin the registration process today. If the results of the self-checker indicate that you need testing, you will be prompted to register for an appointment at one of our Community Testing Site locations.
Get more information on COVID-19 symptoms, or more information on seasonal allergy symptoms.