If you’re feeling a low-grade ‘yuck’ that doesn’t involve intense symptoms, you might not feel the need for a trip to one of our clinics. But knowing whether you have a cold, allergies or COVID is important so you know whether to tuck yourself into bed and rest, treat for allergies, or isolate.

3 clues that you might be sick:

1. If you have a sore throat

2. If your cough is ‘wet’

3. If you are achy or have a fever

But if your eyes are itchy, you are sneezing or congested and/or you’ve had the symptoms for a week or more, chances are you’re suffering from allergies. At this time of year, it’s likely they’re pollen-related. If you can manage symptoms using over-the-counter medications, you should find that this will pass. If you need help determining which medication to take, or if you’re not feeling better in a few weeks, give your clinic a call or request an appointment in MyChart.

More resources:

• Here’s a helpful comparison chart we developed during COVID. Of course, viruses and symptoms vary by person and variant, so if in doubt, always check with your provider.

• This FDA article about allergies offers more guidance about over-the-counter medications: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/seasonal-allergies-which-medication-right-you