2021 MAY SHORTAGE: AM I COVID INFECTED OR POLLEN ALLERGIC?

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SO HOW CAN CORONAVIRUS BE DISTINGUISHED FROM POLLEN ALLERGY?

With leaving winter behind and the arrival of spring season, natural conditions such as colds and eye allergies, especially allergic to pollen, are often experienced. Even similarities in pollen allergy and coronavirus symptoms have led people to say, “did I become corona?” it can even make it suspicious.

The period from March – May coincides with the first peak after the onset of the pandemic in almost every country of the world, which raises the important questions about whether pollen has an effect on minds, and there is still a lot of research being done on this issue.

The most intriguing research was published in PNAS, one of the most respected scientific journals in the world, in early 2021. In January – April 2021, the study focuses on the relationship between the numbers of Covid-19 cases in these countries with data collected from 248 pollen count centers from 31 countries.

The research defends the hypothesis that pollen density increases Covid-19 infection. It is suggested that pollen can reduce the antiviral effect that protects the nasal mucosa against viruses and affect immunity, as well as increase Covid infection, as in some respiratory viral infections. It is even suggested that pollen increases the risk of infection by 10-30 percent, and in addition to pollen alone, other factors such as climate conditions and humidity can also be effective.

Of course, there are counter-theses for this research. For example, it is argued that more tests can be done because the symptoms caused by pollen allergies at the time of the study also resemble Covid symptoms, so covid cases can be found in excess.

Again, the number of global PCR tests performed at that time was higher in allergic people, but there was no difference between allergic and non-allergic people in terms of the presence of infection. Although research and studies are ongoing, it is still not right to say anything definitive at the moment that pollen increases Covid-19 infection.

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MORE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND DATA ARE NEEDED ON THIS ISSUE

It is also a fact that only coronavirus and pollen allergies show similar symptoms.. People have a lot of difficulty understanding whether they are allergic to it or if they are infected with the virus with the spring season.

In this case, there are also five critical questions that come to mind:

– How can a pollen allergy be distinguished from a Coronavirus infection?

– What are the similarities in terms of symptoms?

– How should allergy sufferers follow to strengthen immunity to coronavirus?

– What should pollen allergy sufferers pay attention to so they are not affected by the outbreak?

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ARE ALLERGY VACCINES PROTECTIVE EFFECTIVE AGAINST CORONAVIRUS?

Immunology and Allergy diseases specialist Assoc. Dr. and Allergy diseases specialist Prof. Dr. gave us important information.

“There are similarities between the symptoms of covid-19 and diseases linked to seasonal allergies. Developing these symptoms are due to pollen allergy, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), depending on conjunctive and allergic sneeze, nose, palate, throat or ear itching, runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, tearing, redness, swelling of the eyelids, or if you have asthma, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing wheezy breathing, a feeling of pressure in the chest or in the form of explains.”

“Covid-19 also has symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, cough. But unlike allergic colds, these symptoms can be accompanied by one or more symptoms, especially sudden loss of smell and taste, sore throat, fever, novelization, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The fact that patients with pollen allergies in Turkey show similar symptoms in spring periods in previous years and usually increase their complaints in an external environment where pollen is dense are other distinguishing points from Covid-19 infection.”

Sometimes allergic diseases and Covid-19 can coexist, or allergic symptoms may have just appeared. He says these patients should have a PCR test for Covid to prevent infection and wrong approach due to their symptoms. Most importantly, the mask underlines the need to carefully observe the rules of distance and hygiene.

Although the symptoms of Covid-19 include runny nose and nasal congestion observed in allergies, allergic individuals may have fever, weakness, muscle, bone, abdominal pain and diarrhea if there is no infection. He also says that those who are allergic to pollen can also pass Covid-19, which occurs because pollen facilitates coronavirus, not through allergies, but directly because it weakens the immune system.

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WHAT ALLERGY SUFFERERS SHOULD DO TO STRENGTHEN IMMUNITY TO CORONAVIRUS?

In this regard, there is not yet very solid data that those with allergies have covid-19 infection more often or more severe, or that they are more risky. It is also known that factors such as unbalanced diet, fatigue and stress suppress the immune system.

“Allergic people should also eat a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals, get enough sleep and stay away from stress. Allergy patients are advised to regularly use cortisone nasal sprays, respiratory cortisone medications, and other controlling medications recommended by their doctor to control the symptoms of allergic colds and allergic asthma.”

Studies conducted during the pandemic show that allergic people are more resistant to the SARS-Cov-2 virus, the points of entry of the virus into the human body ACE-2 receptors are less numerous in allergic individuals and can be neutralized by treatment.

“Therefore allergic individuals should not have a different prevention program. It is enough to comply with healthy eating, regular sleep, sports and hygiene rules.”

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ARE ALLERGY VACCINES EFFECTIVE IN PROTECTING AGAINST CORONAVIRUS?

Assoc. Dr. answer to this question is very clear: “allergy vaccines are not protective against coronaviruses and other viruses”.

“In treatment models which is popularly called ‘allergy vaccine’ and which we call ‘allergen immunotherapy’ in medical language, allergens that are sensitive are administered to the patient in increasing doses starting from low doses and desensitizing to that factor is performed. It is intended only to control allergic diseases. Coronavirus vaccines are necessary to protect against coronavirus infections.”

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EVEN IF YOU’RE OUT ALONE, YOU SHOULD WEAR A MASK

One of the most important points in the relationship between pollen allergy and coronavirus is that those with allergies should be careful not to be affected by the outbreak.

It is emphasizes that first of all, the people should continue to be protected from allergens and without disrupting their treatment for allergies. It underlines that it is very important for people with pollen allergies to stay at home, mask, physical distance and follow the rules of hygiene, as in the population without allergies.

The use of a surgical mask prevents virus contact, droplet and aerosol spread. People with pollen allergies should also wear surgical masks to cover their mouth and nose completely. If the mask is worn for a long time, it can become moist, dirty, and its protection can be reduced. Therefore, it should be replaced at least every 3-4 hours. It was also observed that patients with pollen allergies decreased their allergy symptoms due to the use of masks and curfew during the epidemic period.
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ALLERGIC PEOPLE SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY MASKS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IN SOCIETY

Allergic mechanisms do not play a role in the relationship between pollen density and Covid case number. Pollen negatively affects people’s immunity to the virus, whether allergic or not. For this reason, at the density of pollen, everyone should wear a mask, even if they are alone in an external environment.

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President of Organ Transplant Center at MedicalPark Hospital Antalya

Turkey's world-renowned organ transplant specialist. Dr. Demirbaş has 104 international publications and 102 national publications.

Physician's Resume:

Born on August 7, 1963 in Çorum, Prof. Dr. Alper Demirbaş has been continuing his work as the President of MedicalPark Antalya Hospital Organ Transplantation Center since 2008.

Prof. who performed the first tissue incompatible kidney transplant in Turkey, the first blood type incompatible kidney transplant, the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first cadaveric donor and live donor liver transplant in Antalya. Dr. As of August 2016, Alper Demirbaş has performed 4900 kidney transplants, 500 liver transplants and 95 pancreas transplants.

In addition to being the chairman of 6 national congresses, he has also been an invited speaker at 12 international and 65 national scientific congresses. Dr. Alper Demirbaş was married and the father of 1 girl and 1 boy.

Awards:

Eczacibasi Medical Award of 2002, Akdeniz University Service Award of 2005, Izder Medical Man of the Year Award of 2006, BÖHAK Medical Man of the Year Award of 2007, Sabah Mediterranean Newspaper Scientist of the Year Award of 2007, ANTIKAD Scientist of the Year Award of 2009, Social Ethics Association Award of 2010, Işık University Medical Man of the Year Award of 2015, VTV Antalya's Brand Value Award of 2015.

Certificates:

Doctor of Medicine Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Ankara, General Surgeon Ministry of Health Turkey EKFMG (0-477-343-8), University of Miami School of Medicine Member of Multiple Organ Transplant, ASTS Multiorgan Transplant Scholarship. Lecturer at Kyoto University. Lecturer at University of Essen, Research assistant at the University of Cambridge .

Professional Members:

American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Transplantation Society Nominated, Middle East and Southern Africa Council Transplantation Society 2007, International Liver Transplantation Association, Turkish Transplantation Association, Turkish Society of Surgery, Turkish Hepatobiliary Surgery Association.

Disclaimer:

Our website contents consist of articles approved by our Web and Medical Editorial Board with the contributions of our physicians. Our contents are prepared only for informational purposes for public benefit. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Medically Reviewed by Professor Doctor Alper Demirbaş
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