Every day, Le Parisien takes action to answer your questions about the coronavirus. Today, a surfer asks us if, "the concentration of pollens that increases during the spring can promote the risk of contracting the coronavirus, especially for people with allergies?" "
There is no link between pollens and coronavirus. The former roam in the air, depending on the winds and especially in the spring, while the virus spreads through the respiratory tract and droplets, which can be released by an infected person within a limited perimeter around them. A large part of the researchers who work on the question estimate that the coronavirus does not remain in the air, or so in a very diffuse way and in any case not in sufficient quantity to contaminate a person, especially outdoors. In conclusion: allergy sufferers (and non-allergy sufferers) therefore have nothing to fear from pollens, in terms of the risk of contamination.
Different symptoms of allergy
Some people are also afraid of confusing the symptoms of these allergies with those of the coronavirus. They are in fact easily distinguishable, as explained to AFP Professor Chantal Raherison, president of the French-speaking Pneumology Society. "In allergy, there is no temperature, no infectious picture, no fever, no chills and generally the patients also do not have intense fatigue or loss of smell as it has was reported in Covid-19, "she said.
Covid-19 usually gives you a fever, although taking drugs like Doliprane or cortisone can mask this main symptom of Covid-19. A sign can be taken particularly seriously: "In case of unusual shortness of breath, we must consult," says Professor Chantal Raherison. All patients, especially asthmatics, must continue to take their treatment during this period, because they are more vulnerable to Covid-19, which especially attaches the bronchi of patients.
To ask your question, you can write to us via the form available by clicking here or send us an email at coronavirus@leparisien.fr Find all the answers previously published on our dedicated page.