MACON, Ga. (WGXA) — Piedmont providers see a spike in allergy symptoms as early tree pollen and elevated flu activity overlap in Georgia.
Middle Georgia’s tree pollen season is already underway, and flu activity is higher than expected, so Piedmont medical providers are reporting a rise in patients uncertain whether their symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies, a sinus infection or a viral illness.
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According to Piedmont, Georgia consistently records some of the highest pollen levels in the country, with spring tree pollen counts often reaching “extremely high” levels. Early-season tree pollen is already registering in the “high range” across parts of the state.
Piedmont clinicians say this early spike is driving more patients to seek care for congestion, cough, sore throat and fatigue, symptoms that frequently overlap among common seasonal conditions.
“We’re seeing more patients come in convinced they have a sinus infection when their symptoms actually point to allergies or a viral illness,” said Nisarg Patel, M.D., with Piedmont Primary Care at Bass Road in Macon. “Fever, eye itchiness, mucus color and the duration of symptoms can all help us distinguish among these conditions, but many people understandably confuse them, especially this time of year.”
To clarify, Piedmont clinicians said, Allergies typically cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat and clear nasal drainage. They rarely involve fever. Viral illnesses, including colds and flu, often cause fever, fatigue, body aches and congestion. Bacterial sinus infections are more likely to cause facial pressure, upper tooth pain and thick yellowgreen mucus, especially if symptoms worsen after 10 days.
Piedmont says that despite warmer temperatures, flu cases across Georgia were higher than normal for midFebruary, adding another layer for patients trying to self-diagnose. Providers emphasize that unlike allergies, the flu is contagious and may require antiviral treatment if detected early.
Piedmont says to seek medical evaluation when the symptoms include a fever lasting more than 72 hours, facial pain or pressure that worsens, thick yellow or green mucus, symptoms persisting longer than 10 days and difficulty breathing or severe fatigue.
Piedmont adds to visit your primary care doctor for treatment and a professional evaluation can determine the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, whether that means antihistamines, antiviral medication, nasal steroids, supportive care or antibiotics when necessary.
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