Can Allergies Cause Fever?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- Fever is not a direct symptom of allergies; it typically signals a viral infection such as the flu, COVID‑19 or a sinus infection that can develop from prolonged nasal congestion caused by allergies.
- Common allergy signs—sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, hives, cough and fatigue—overlap with cold and flu symptoms, but allergic reactions persist as long as exposure continues, whereas viral illnesses usually resolve within a week to several weeks.
- Managing and preventing environmental allergies relies on allergen avoidance and treatment, including antihistamines, decongestants or nasal steroids, plus practical steps like staying indoors during high pollen counts, using HEPA filters, showering after outdoor exposure and keeping windows closed.
If you’re sneezing, coughing and fatigued, you may not always know if the cause is a respiratory illness like the flu or allergies.
But can allergies cause fever? Let’s take a look at the symptoms of allergies compared to respiratory illnesses and how you can manage them.
What are symptoms of allergies?
Allergies are an overreaction by the immune system to a foreign protein such as pollen, mold, pet dander or food, among others. When someone is exposed to an allergen, histamine is typically released, resulting in the many symptoms listed below.
Common allergens such as pollen, mold and danger allergies typically aren’t dangerous, but symptoms of mild to moderate allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy skin and/or eyes
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Cough and/or wheezing
- Cramps
- Swollen skin
- Fatigue
Many of these symptoms are similar to those of a cold, influenza, a sinus infection or a respiratory illness, but how do you tell the difference between them? A respiratory illness caused by a virus can last a few days to more than a week, and a chronic sinus infection can last for several weeks. Environmental allergies can last as long as you are exposed to the allergens; several weeks during the spring and fall seasons or all the time if it’s an indoor allergy.
Some allergies are more serious and can lead to life-threatening responses such as swelling airways and anaphylaxis. This severe reaction is more typically caused by a food allergy, bee sting or possibly a medication.
Can allergies cause fever?
Fever is not a symptom of allergies, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fever can be a symptom of the flu, COVID-19 or a sinus infection, however ongoing congestion from allergies can lead to a sinus infection, which can result in a fever, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Managing minor respiratory illnesses requires rest, hydration and managing the symptoms, while managing allergies requires avoidance of the allergen or using medications to treat the symptoms: antihistamines, decongestants or nasal steroids.
If you struggle with long-term nasal congestion, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) regarding treatment.
It is also important to manage allergies because untreated severe allergies can lead to increased risk of other ailments, such as:
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Asthma
- Sleep disorders
- Reoccurring headaches
- Lung damage
- Frequent colds and viruses
How to manage and prevent allergies
Allergies are common; more than 50 million Americans experience allergies each year, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Managing environmental allergies can be difficult because pollen levels are out of your control. Here are ways to survive during the allergy seasons:
- Stay inside as much as you can when the pollen count is high.
- Change your clothing after being outside.
- Shower and wash your hair after coming inside.
- Keep your home clean to reduce allergens. Use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters for single rooms and disposable filters for whole-house HVAC systems to keep the air clear of allergens and particles. Vacuum with a HEPA-filter to clean carpets and rugs.
- Keep windows closed if you have outdoor allergens.
- Wash bedding regularly and keep pets off your bed and out of your bedroom if you are allergic to pet dander.
Image: Getty Images
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