Hayfever sufferers urged to get coronavirus tests
An allergy expert is warning hayfever sufferers to get COVID-19 tests if they start displaying symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, as symptoms for the two conditions are very similar.
Manly
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An allergy expert is warning that there could be a surge in people seeking COVID-19 tests during the hayfever season, which is predicted to be severe this year.
Professor Sheryl Van Nunen, a clinical immunologist and allergy specialist at Northern Beaches Hospital, said they are expecting it to be a “foul year” for those who suffer from allergies due to the recent heavy rainfall.
“People can’t be 100 per cent sure that what they have is not COVID-19,” she said.
“Hayfever is very similar to COVID symptoms.
“Despite the name, people with hayfever don’t have a fever, but then nor does every person with COVID-19.”
Prof Van Nunen said she would advise everyone with symptoms, whether they suffer from hayfever or not, to get tested.
“Those with severe hayfever symptoms, such as puffy eyes, will know what they have, but it is those with mild to moderate symptoms that will be unsure.”
She said those with wattle allergies have already started to display symptoms.
People allergic to olive trees will probably start to suffer from September, along with those
affected by grass and weed pollen.
She said the hayfever season, which has already started, runs right through summer.
“It’s only really June and July when those with allergies don’t suffer,” Prof Van Nunen said.
She also warned that with the change of the seasons and the fact that more people are working from home, there will be an increase in people with dust mite allergies, with symptoms including sneezing and a runny or blocked nose.
To see a list of COVID-19 clinics go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics#find-a-covid-19-testing-centre-in-nsw