Is it the flu, allergies, or COVID-19? CHI Health explains

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -Right now Omaha clinics are inundated with patients sick with everything from strep throat to RSV to allergies.

And, of course, COVID-19.

This, all before the flu season hits.

So when should you be concerned it could be COVID-19?

The experts say there’s one symptom that should stick out if you are feeling under the weather.

“COVID-19 has a very candid ability to cause smell loss. So when you have smell loss it should make you think not allergies but it could still be a sinus infection but you should be thinking more COVID-19,” said Dr. Ashley Bauer, Ear, Nose, and Throat Physician for CHI Health.

However, some people suffering from COVID-19 never lose taste or smell.

And making it more confusing, many COVID-19, RSV, flu, and strep throat symptoms overlap.

Things like a sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches are all possible with all of those illnesses

So when should you get tested?

The short answer is—whenever you feel those symptoms.

And experts say stay home when you feel those symptoms stay home until test results come back to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Experts say they are bracing for the flu season.

They say we will likely see a lot more cases of it this year than we did last year because schools are open and people are returning to more activities.

Watch the full livestream video below:

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