With the high pollen count and sunny weather in Glasgow, many hay fever sufferers have been trapped indoors with symptoms overlapping that of covid.
But as lockdown eases and football fans head outdoors to Hampden Park, can you tell the difference between covid and hay fever?
According to the Kleenex's Pollen Pal, it's predicted that the pollen count in Glasgow will be high this week - specifically grass and weed pollen.
The most common form of this is grass pollen, with the season lasting from mid-May to July. Tree pollen can also cause hay fever however it remains at a moderate level for this week.
Understandably with everything going on, some people may be concerned that there is an overlap in symptoms.
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) chairman, Professor Martin Marshall, 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.
“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.”
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of covid are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough, but with some overlapping symptoms, it's no surprise that it can be pretty difficult to tell the two apart.
And with more than 1000 cases recorded for second day in a row, its crucial you know which is which.
Professor Marshall added there were important characteristics of hay fever that could help sufferers tell the two apart.
He explained: "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 have specific symptoms of Covid-19 – a new, persistent cough and a high temperature – we urge them to follow government advice and self-isolate.”
It's important to note that if patients see a worsening of their symptoms or they last longer than expected, they should dial 111 or speak to their GP for medical advice.
Dr Jonathan Leach, joint honorary secretary at RCGP, advised symptomatic people to take a “precautionary approach” if they're unsure.
He added: “If there is some concern that it could be coronavirus then people should be self-isolating.”
Guidance for allergy sufferers from charity Allergy UK says: “Coronavirus symptoms typically include a continuous cough and a temperature as well as sometimes causing headaches and muscle aches. These are not symptoms of hay fever.
“Hay fever symptoms are persistent and relatively predictable depending on the pollen count.
“Symptoms of runny, itchy nose and sneezing which are typical of hay fever are not typical of coronavirus.
“Hay fever should respond to antihistamines and, if you have been prescribed them, nasal sprays.
“We would recommend that you treat hay fever proactively to minimise your symptoms, reducing the tendency for you to touch your face due to itch, and prevent unintentional spread of coronavirus by sneezing."
