Allergy or COVID? Doctors Reveal the Truth Behind Your Spring Cough

Allergy or COVID? Doctor Explains Why You're Coughing Again and How Not to Treat a Non-Existent Virus

Every spring, pharmacies run out of antibiotics and cough syrups - and the internet fills with COVID rumors. But here"s the truth: in most cases, it"s not a virus, it"s your immune system reacting to spring allergens.

🗣️ "Most of my patients come in with a low fever and a dry cough, thinking it's COVID. In reality, it's often allergic rhinitis or pollen sensitivity," - says ENT specialist Dr. Oleg Abramov.

🧪 How to tell the difference between allergy and COVID?

⚠️ Why self-medicating with antibiotics is dangerous

Panicked, many people begin taking antibiotics without a diagnosis. This leads to:

• disrupted gut microbiota

• decreased immunity

• increased antibiotic resistance

💬 "Antibiotics do not treat viruses or allergies. Unnecessary use weakens your body"s natural defenses," warns Dr. Elena Voronina, infectious disease specialist.

✅ What to do if you start coughing in spring:

1. Rinse your nose with saline spray

2. Take over-the-counter antihistamines (Loratadine, Cetirizine)

3. Get tested for COVID if symptoms persist or w