I’m not sick! 7 in 10 worry others will mistake their seasonal allergies for COVID

NEW YORK — The pandemic has created another reason to hate allergy season. Seven in 10 people worry that people will confuse their coughs and sneezes with COVID-19 symptoms.

That’s according to a recent study of 2,000 Americans with seasonal allergies, which delved into their most and least favorite season. The data comes as we approach the peak of fall, which 81 percent call an enjoyable time of year. Autumn finished second only to spring, which 82 percent of Americans enjoy.

Four in 10 respondents call winter is their least favorite season — with cold temperatures (84%), snowy weather (54%), and having to stay indoors (46%) listed as the top reasons why. On the opposite end of the weather spectrum, one in four actually call summer their least favorite season, thanks to the heat (72%), humidity (60%), and bugs (50%).

Americans love the outdoors

Seasonal preferencesConducted by OnePoll on behalf of Nasacort, the survey revealed respondents can tolerate their least favorite season for a little over four weeks before getting sick of it. When it comes to their favorite season, Americans have a strong connection to the outdoors — which is likely even more true as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

Nearly three-quarters of the poll (73%) say their seasonal preference has a link to how much time they can spend outside. More than that, 74 percent look forward to spending time outside more this year than in a typical year, due to spending so much time indoors over the last year. For some however, it can be difficult to enjoy the outdoors. Of respondents who chose spring as their least favorite season (16%), more than six in 10 (64%) blame that on their allergies.

Four in five people say their least favorite season changed as they got older and one in 10 attributed this to their allergies worsening over time.

“As people enjoy different seasons for different reasons, nobody should be prevented from indulging in their favorite time of year,” a Nasacort spokesperson says in a statement. “Though spring is usually thought to be the ‘worst nightmare’ for those with allergies, it’s evident that people don’t want to let their allergies get in the way of enjoying the season’s pleasures.”

Get proactive with your allergies

Seasonal preferencesMore than half of respondents (55%) say their allergies get bad to the point where it interrupts their daily life during certain seasons. Nearly four in five (79%) who chose spring as their least favorite season echo this sentiment.

Additionally, 74 percent of those who chose spring as their least favorite season often skip social engagements because of their allergies flaring up. Another 64 percent spend time worrying about this possibility. A proactive approach to dealing with allergies is key for many; nearly three in five grab their allergy medication less than a week into their typical allergy season (59%).

“Nobody should have to endure the discomfort of allergies to the point where it interrupts everyday life,” the spokesperson adds. “Incidences of allergies have been higher throughout the past few months than they were at the same time last year, and we expect that to continue through the end of the year. Staying on top of seasonal allergies is possible now more than ever, and finding the right product, such as an effective nasal spray, may be key for seasonal enjoyment moving forward.”

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