People with hay fever have been told not to confuse their adverse reaction to pollen with symptoms of coronavirus.
Sufferers have been warned about an early year "pollen bomb" which is set to explode this weekend due to the warm weather.
It may only be February but sufferers are being advised to prepare to prevent the onset of symptoms.
The switch from low temperatures to potential highs of 17C could see clouds of allergens released into the air.
For the second year in a row, due to the early onset, hay fever season coincides with the pandemic and people are being warned not to mix up symptoms with coronavirus.
Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "We would normally expect to see a number of patients at this time of year suffering with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever – an allergic reaction to various types of pollen.
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“Typically, patients suffering with hay fever will experience symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore and watering eyes – but also sometimes a cough. Some of these presenting problems, especially a cough, can also be symptoms of COVID-19.
"There are some important characteristics of hay fever that could help patients distinguish between it and COVID-19.
“Allergy symptoms tend to be milder and fluctuate depending on the time of day as pollen levels are often higher in the afternoon and evening. Similarly, wet weather may lead to patients experiencing milder symptoms.
"Patients who regularly suffer from hay fever will be familiar with the symptoms they usually get and the severity of them.
“In instances where a patient experiences a significant deviation from this, or has specific symptoms of COVID-19 - a new, persistent cough and a high temperature - we urge them to follow government advice and self- isolate.”
While most of us welcome the change in weather, even in lockdown, for people with hay fever this can be a miserable time.
Dr Gordon Sinclair, Clinical Chair of NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group explained why it’s important for people to understand the difference between the symptoms, and said: “We don’t want people to get unduly anxious about their hay fever.
“However, we also want to make sure that they don’t go out and about, assuming they have their usual allergies, when they may actually have coronavirus and should stay at home.
“The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss of smell or taste. People may also feel quite unwell.
“While the symptoms of coronavirus and hay fever can overlap, people with hay fever don’t experience a high temperature and most won’t feel unwell.
“Hay fever and allergy symptoms tend to be milder, for example, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing. Symptoms may vary over the course of the day or depending on the weather, as the pollen count changes. They can also usually be controlled through antihistamines or nasal sprays.
“If you have any new cough, fever, lose your sense of taste or smell, you must self-isolate as these could be signs of coronavirus. Most people can manage their symptoms at home with paracetamol and plenty of fluids. However, if you feel worse, you should call NHS 111.”
