Experts have outlined key differences between symptoms of hay fever and coronavirus following the arrival of spring.

A blog post put together by the Covid Symptom Study website, which is provided with scientific analysis from King’s College London, states there are some crossover signs of the two which may be confusing for some.

There are thought to be at least 20 different symptoms of Covid including, the three officially recognised by the NHS - a cough, fever and loss of smell.

But experts at King’s College say you should also watch out for headaches, feeling unusually tired (fatigue) and diarrhoea.

They add coughing, loss of smell and taste, headaches and even tiredness can however also be signs of hay fever.

They have put together a list of classic Covid and hay fever symptoms and defined what to look out for as spring gets into full swing.

Here is what they said:

High temperature

A fever or high temperature is not a symptom of hay fever, but it is a key sign of Covid.

If you’re feeling hot or have chills or shivers alongside hay fever-type symptoms like a runny nose and cough, experts say you should self-isolate and get a Covid test.

Coughing

People with hay fever can have a tickly cough.

Persistent coughing or coughing many times a day, for half a day or more - is also a key symptom of Covid.

This is usually a dry (unproductive) cough, unless you have an underlying lung condition that normally makes you cough up phlegm.

If you’re coughing more than usual without an obvious explanation, you should self-isolate and get a Covid test.

Wheezing or loss of breath

Some people with hay fever may experience wheezing or breathlessness, particularly if they have asthma.

Shortness of breath can however be a symptom of Covid, but it usually occurs together with other more obvious Covid symptoms such as persistent coughing, fatigue, headache and loss of smell.

Runny nose

Having a runny or blocked nose is one of the most common symptoms of hay fever.

But it can also be a symptom of coronavirus.

Experts say it’s more likely to be Covid than hay fever when rates of coronavirus in the population are high, and probably a regular cold or allergy when rates are low.

Loss or change in smell

Experiencing a loss or change in your sense of smell (anosmia) is a key symptom of Covid.

Hay fever and allergies often cause a runny or stuffy nose, which can also affect your sense of smell.

However, losing sense of smell without having a blocked or stuffy nose is much more likely to be Covid than hay fever.

It is advised you self-isolate and get tested if things start smelling or tasting different to normal.

Itchy, red or watery eyes

Having itchy, puffy, red or watery eyes is much more likely to be hay fever or allergies than Covid.

Itchy or sore throat

Hay fever and allergies can cause a itchy or scratchy feeling in the throat.

This can also be a symptom of Covid, but experts say this usually feels more painful and is similar to a sore throat you might have during a cold or laryngitis.

Read more:

The advice on the differences in symptoms comes as the warmer weather is expected to have an impact on hay fever sufferers.

The Covid Symptom Study experts say it’s important spot any new or different symptoms in your hay fever this year.

They added: “If you’re someone who regularly gets hay fever at particular times of the year or allergies in response to specific triggers, you might be able to spot your typical symptoms when they start.

“But it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and get a test if you feel newly unwell.

“If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are hay fever or COVID-19, it’s best to be safe. Get a test as soon as possible.”