People encouraged to compare hay fever symptoms to previous years to differentiate from coronavirus
People are being encouraged to compare their hay fever symptoms to previous years if they are concerned they may confuse it with coronavirus.
If hay fever symptoms are "different or more severe than normal" people are then advised to use NHS 111 or speak to their GP - but to not to go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital - if they think they might have coronavirus.
If people do think they have coronavirus and their symptoms are mild, they are advised to follow the government advice and self-isolate for at least seven days.
"Typical hay fever symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore and watering eyes – but also sometimes a cough," Dr Ian Sykes, Chair at NHS Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG, says.
"As a continuous dry cough is one of the main symptoms of Covid-19, it’s important to compare your own symptoms to previous years."
Pharmacists can also suggest treatments to help with hay fever symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes and sneezing. These treatments can include antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays.
People who have both hay fever and asthma are also being encouraged to keeping taking their asthma medicines as they've been prescribed.
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