Dr. Joyce Lock is offering some advice to those who may not know the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and seasonal allergy symptoms.
OXFORD COUNTY - Is it COVID? Or is it allergies?
This is a question people with allergies are asking themselves every day. Allergy season is in full swing and this year, it brings some extra cause for concern, as many allergy symptoms are the same as COVID-19 symptoms.
Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health Dr. Joyce Lock says you don't need to get tested if you know your allergies and know your typical allergy symptoms.
"The fortunate thing about seasonal allergies, is they are seasonal and they happen every year and people who get them are very familiar with what they feel like, they know usually what time of year they tend to get them, they know how it makes their nose feel eyes feel. I would say that if you have had a long standing history of seasonal allergies and the weather warms up and the pollen is out there and you think, it's allergies again, I had this last year, I know what this feels like, then I don't think you need to get tested."
Dr. Lock says if your allergy symptoms are new, or much more severe than normal, then you absolutely should get tested.
"If it something new for you, or your symptoms are different this year and you say, I don't usually feel this tired, I don't normally get a headache, then it is best to be on the safe side and get tested. So that's my suggestion, if it feels really familiar and you are sure it is your allergies, if it feels unfamiliar, its something new, go and get tested."

Oxford County Reminds Businesses to Register for Curbside Collection
Special Weather Statement Issued for Oxford County
Applications Open for Charity of Choice
Christmas Community Free Table this Saturday
OPP Share Cram-A-Cruiser Food Drive Results
Norfolk OPP Briefs - December 18th, 2025
Impaired Driver Charged in Woodstock
OPP Investigating Stolen Snowmobile
New Library Program is Rolling Out
Holiday Safety Tips from WFD
Woodstock Police Briefs - December 17th, 2025
Tillsonburg Man Charged in Lambton County Crash
UPDATE: Charges Laid in Tillsonburg Gas Theft
Winter Reminders from WFD
UPDATE: Charges Are Laid After Two Fires in the City
SWPH Reports High Influenza Risk
Deputy Warden Appointed for 2026
Handbags for Hospice to Shimmer for Sakura House
Beachville Museum Employee Receives Award
SWPH Issues Cold Weather Alert
Comments
Add a comment