Allergies, flu or coronavirus: Which symptoms to look for

Pollen has arrived, and long-time allergy sufferers will recognize the usual symptoms -- watery eyes, runny nose and just nasal congestion. It can be easy to confuse them with more potentially dangerous issues this time of year, like the flu and the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

Suspect coronavirus? Don't go to ER, urgent care or your doctor's office

Before trying to schedule an appointment, call your doctor's office and ask to speak to a healthcare provider over the phone.

Many symptoms can be managed at home, and going out is not worth the risk of getting someone else sick or coming in contact with other sick patients.

Some offices, like Generations Family Practice in Cary, are meeting all patients with respiratory symptoms at their cars to test them for flu and illness outside the office. This is to protect the staff and other patients inside the building.

There are some simple things people can do to stop the spread of viruses.

Everyone should stay home and avoid public spaces as much as possible to prevent the spread of the virus. Anyone who feels sick should not go out at all.

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"If you can stay home and avoid crowds -- particularly in that at-risk age group -- that's what you want to do," Mask said.

According to Mask, the easiest and most basic practice of proper handwashing helps protect everyone from flu and coronavirus. "You want to get a good soapy solution and wash your hands for about 20 seconds," he said. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.