The tri-state area has entered allergy season. The symptoms can be confusing with COVID-19 still around, not to mention the flu. 

Dr. Chirag Patel, from Ocean Allergy, explains what he’s seeing this year. Allergy season has gotten longer over the years, “especially with the warmer weather you get an early pollination season and we have seen the length of pollination season increase over the last several years.” 

Allergy symptoms can mirror the same symptoms of the common cold, COVID-19 and the flu. However, there is one key symptom that is unique to allergies, as Patel explains. “With allergies, something you have to watch out for is the itching," says Patel. "That’s typically not present with the cold. Colds can also present with congestion, headaches and fevers.” 

Patel also says to look out if it’s a windy spring because that could lead to an even worse allergy season. “Certain pollens can travel hundreds of miles across," says Patel. "Just because you don’t have a specific tree in this area doesn’t mean you can’t be allergic to a tree in another area.” 

The Ocean County Health Department is reporting a slight bump in COVID-19 cases, and free testing is still available through the department. Some private sites are starting to charge insurance copayments.