Delta Variant Isn’t Hay Fever
The Claim
The delta variant of COVID-19 is actually hay fever, another name for allergies.
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Emerging story
The delta variant — a strain of COVID-19 that is especially present in the United Kingdom — has a few different symptoms than its origin virus. Some have noted that they are similar to seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, cough, and itchy eyes.
These allergies are often called hay fever, officially named allergic rhinitis.
Some websites, especially those catering to an anti-vaxxer audience, published articles supporting this claim.
Misbar’s Analysis
While the delta variant and allergic rhinitis share some symptoms, they aren’t the same. Not only do they behave differently, but they also vary in severity. Allergic rhinitis isn’t fun, but it’s not usually as severe as COVID-19, regardless of variant.
Allergies tend to go in and out throughout the day. The delta variant causes persistent symptoms that get more severe over time. The COVID-19 variant can also cause a sore throat, a more painful symptom than hay fever’s itchy throat. The former can also inflict tonsillitis and lethargy in those infected with the virus.
Lastly, the delta variant is a contagious virus, unlike hay fever. Other people can be infected by coughs and sneezes by those carrying the delta variant.
