Delta Variant Isn’t Hay Fever

Layne Radlauer

Health

4th July 2021

Hay fever is not viral, but rather caused by allergies (Getty Images).

The Claim

The delta variant of COVID-19 is actually hay fever, another name for allergies.

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John Cardillo

Denis

-insert name- freedom lover 🙂 🇬🇧/🇮🇷

Clive O'Regan

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.

A supporting image within the article body

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.