Do Allergies Cause a Tickly Cough?

While a dry cough is common in both seasonal allergies and COVID-19, a cough related to an “itch” or “tickle” in your throat is most likely due to seasonal allergies.

What are ways to determine if I have allergies or COVID-19?

1) Time line and past history.
• Often people with allergies have a history of seasonal allergies.
• Allergy symptoms tend to be more long-lasting than viral symptoms.
2) Allergy symptoms often respond to allergy medications.
3) Allergies typically make people itchy. Itchiness is not a symptom of viral illness.

Is coughing a symptom of COVID-19?

When the virus does cause symptoms, common ones include fever, body ache, dry cough, fatigue, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and loss of smell. In some people, COVID-19 causes more severe symptoms like high fever, severe cough, and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia.