The pollen count has been exceptionally high this summer in East Sussex and, coupled with the rising number of Coronavirus cases, it’s important to differentiate between the two in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Spotting the differences between some of the early symptoms of COVID-19 and hay fever can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the symptoms for each.
Hay fever does not cause a high temperature, you may however experience a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and coughing, sore eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.
The three main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new persistent cough, and loss of or change to your sense of taste and smell.
How can you help stop the spread of COVID-19?
- Wear a protective face covering in busy areas, in shops, on public transport and in medical settings such as hospitals and doctor surgeries.
- Ensure you’re up to date with your COVID vaccines. The vaccines are still the most effective tool to prevent you from getting seriously ill and possibly hospitalised with COVID.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitiser wherever possible.
- Social distance wherever possible.
- If you feel unwell and think you might have COVID symptoms, stay at home until the symptoms have subsided.
The upcoming Autumn COVID booster will be available to:
- All adults aged 50 or over
- Residents or staff members in a care home for older people
- Frontline Health or Social Care workers
- People aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
- People aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- People aged 16 to 49 who are carers