How to tell between COVID, the flu and allergies

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — When it comes to the sniffles and sneezes of the fall season, the cause may be harder to tell than it seems. 

Whether it's the flu, COVID-19, or seasonal allergies, similar symptoms could leave you wondering what's really wrong.

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"Some of the similarities, you’re going to see," said Courtney Meece with the Rowan County Public Health Department. "[You're going to see] some runny noses, some congestion, some difficulty sleeping, fatigue, possibly a sore throat."

The best thing to do is talk to your doctor if you're really feeling under the weather, and get tested.

"It’s really important to make sure that we are testing and being aware," Meece said.

RELATED: It might not be fall allergies, health officials say

While the flu spreads year-round, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the virus usually peaks between December and February.

Getting tested for the flu or COVID-19 can help rule them out.

"It could be COVID disguise, and we want to take the most precautions that we possibly can," Meece said.

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Getting a flu and COVID vaccination can also help guard against illness.

“So, it's better to test and find out for sure than to take a take a gamble," Meece said.

For more signs and symptoms of common illnesses visit the CDC online.

Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.