As allergy season continues, it is important to know the difference between allergy-like symptoms of COVID-19, and seasonal allergies. They have some shared symptoms like sneezing and watery or itchy eyes. COVID-19 symptoms may also include high fever, chills, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or persistent brain fog. Talk to your healthcare provider or get tested if you are experiencing symptoms.

In late April, the new strain of COVID called Arcturus caused 12% of new COVID-19 cases.

Checking your temperature is a good way to tell if you have COVID-19 or seasonal allergies.

Symptoms like fever and pink eye may signal the new strain of COVID-19.

The CDC and healthcare professionals continue to encourage people to get vaccinated and updated booster shots to prevent spread of the virus and reduce hospitalizations.

The World Health Organization is assessing the public health risk of Arcturus and closely monitoring its spread and impact on global health.