It is Cedar Fever season in Central Texas! This year is worse than most. Weird name for it, Cedar Fever, as it is not caused by cedar nor is there a fever. It is caused by Ashe Juniper tree pollen, and the males of the species are to blame. The symptoms stink–headache, sinus congestion and pain, watery eyes, runny nose. My wife and son are usually affected and I have empathy for those of you who similarly suffer. The best way to treat it is to not to get it. Stay indoors. Or if you insist on earning a living to pay the rent and put food on the table, and going out accomplishes that–then this year wear your mask. The mask is in fashion this season. All the chic people are wearing one. It comes in an array of stripes and colors and memes. And it will block you from inhaling juniper pollen. Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and Tylenol also can help get you through the day…and night (I know, I know).
COVID 19 can be indistinguishable from Cedar Fever as it can present with all of these same symptoms. Funny (not funny) story of parents of friends of ours who contracted coronavirus while GOING TO GET THE VACCINE! Crowded vaccine station. They are on day 6 or 7 now and their symptoms are mild (runny nose and sniffles). Sound familiar? Ironically, the vaccine perhaps helped make their symptoms milder. This is not meant to dissuade anyone from getting the vaccine. Au contraire! Just as a demonstration of how COVID symptoms can be easily confused with allergies.
With one grave exception–Fever. If you have a fever, it isn’t Cedar Fever, it’s an infection. Not necessarily COVID, mind you. We are still allowed to fret about seasonal flu and Strep Throat. So if a fever accompanies these symptoms, it’s time to get it checked out.
Click on their website address and there will be a way to put your name on their list for them to reach out to you when the vaccine is available. Put yourself on the list of every facility near where you live and when they have the vaccine available for you, they will contact you.
Best of luck everybody, let’s get vaccinated!!
