Here’s how to tell if you have COVID, flu or GA allergies this fall

This time of the year, everyone is sneezing and coughing, but this is also the time when COVID and flu rates start to rise. Pair that with regional allergies and it can be hard to tell just what kind of sick you really are.

Knowing the difference is important because it can determine different things for a full recovery.

Symptoms shared by COVID, flu and allergies

According to Piedmont Hospital, there are quite a few overlapping symptoms that you could experience with COVID, flu, or allergies.

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches (more common in COVID and flu)
• Congestion
• Fever (less likely with allergies)

Symptoms of the Stratus variant of COVID

The CDC warns this most recent variant, Stratus (XFG) is an Omicron subvariant and is more contagious and more resistant to vaccination than other strains.

It was first detected in January 2025 in Southeast Asia and has since spread globally to 38 countries by June. By then, Stratus accounted for approximately 14% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, making it one of the top three circulating strains.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Flu symptoms to watch

The World Health Organization warns there are a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 3-5 million cases of severe illness.

With the latest version of the flu, the symptoms will come on faster than the flu or a cold, usually in one or two days. There is also extreme fatigue at the onset of symptoms, but you are less likely to experience shortness of breath or respiratory issues.

If you have the flu, you most likely experience at least one of these distinguishing symptoms:

• Sudden onset of fever (usually high, 100-102 degrees)
• Chills
• Severe muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Very sore throat

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

Fall allergies are often the result of exposure to ragweed, mold, dust mites, or pet dander, says Dr. Robert Cartwright of Allergy Center in Brookstone, and fall can be just as fraught as spring for allergy suffers.

Symptoms unique to allergies, in addition to the shared symptoms, can include:

• Itchy nose, eyes and throat
• Watery eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Postnasal drip

This is by no means an exhaustive list, so consult your doctor if you have concerning or persisting symptoms.

It’s also important to remember to wash your hands, stay home when you’re sick, get vaccinated if you’re able, and eat your veggies.