{"id":193865,"date":"2025-06-18T07:59:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T07:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/193865\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T07:59:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T07:59:11","slug":"hay-fever-or-covid-how-to-tell-the-difference-as-new-nimbus-variant-hits-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/193865\/","title":{"rendered":"Hay fever or Covid? How to tell the difference as new Nimbus variant hits UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Health experts explain the difference in symptoms as pollen levels increase and the new Covid NB.1.8.1 variant surges in UK<\/p>\n

07:30, 18 Jun 2025Updated 07:30, 18 Jun 2025<\/p>\n

\"WomanExperts explain the difference between hay fever and the new Covid-19 variant symptoms(Image: Guido Mieth via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The UK battles a surge in hay fever and Covid cases as the Met Office warns of “very high” pollen levels causing distress for millions.<\/p>\n

Hay fever and Covid-19<\/a>, while sharing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, headaches, and sometimes loss of smell, are distinct health conditions. Allergies to substances like pollen cause hay fever, whereas a viral infection causes Covid-19.<\/p>\n

Bupa’s Associate Clinical Director Dr Luke Powles has said: “Despite hay fever being more common during the spring and summer, some people are affected by pollen from March to September.<\/p>\n

“This can make it harder to tell if sniffs and sneezes are being caused by an allergy or an infection such as coronavirus<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by the appearance of a new Covid strain, NB. 1.8.1, also referred to as Nimbus.<\/p>\n

The new variant has been linked with nearly a 10% increase in hospital admissions linked to Covid, with The Mirror reporting 947 admissions in the week ending May 31, reports Lancs Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Health experts note that a key symptom differentiating hay fever from coronavirus is a high temperature \u2013 a signal of Covid absent in hay fever.<\/p>\n

The NHS<\/a> advises that this means “you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)”. It may also lead to chills.<\/p>\n

Dr Powles has made it clear that a raised temperature is “not likely” to be caused by hay fever.<\/p>\n

He explained: “Although a blocked nose due to hay fever can affect your smell or taste, completely losing your ability to taste or smell is more likely to result from coronavirus.”<\/p>\n

Moreover, Covid-19 tends to have a more significant impact on overall health.<\/p>\n

“Hay fever symptoms aren’t usually serious and, generally, you won’t feel too ill,” he added.<\/p>\n

In contrast, Covid-19 can lead to severe illness and its effects may linger for an extended period, sometimes resulting in long Covid.<\/p>\n

The NHS points out: “The symptoms [of Covid] are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover.”<\/p>\n

Covid-19 is also associated with gastrointestinal problems, which are not a feature of hay fever. These issues can manifest as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n

The guidance remains to self-isolate and limit contact with others if you or your child show symptoms and either:<\/p>\n

According to the NHS, you can resume your “normal activities” once you feel better or no longer have a high temperature.<\/p>\n

Typical hay fever symptoms consist of:<\/p>\n