While we are in the middle of cedar fever season for Central Texas, something else is rearing its ugly head as well. KXAN is reporting that many people who thought they simply had allergies are testing positive for COVID-19. The omicron variant is also spreading throughout North Texas, according to FOX4 News.

According to Austin Public Health Medical Director Dr. Desmar Walkes, who cited the CDC, the omicron variant could account for over 90% of cases in Texas.

It's Hard To Tell The Difference

The symptoms of cedar fever and covid are very similar, so it's easy to confuse the two. According to Baylor, Scott and White Health, one in five Central Texans are dealing with cedar fever. Cedar fever isn't a flu or virus, but an allergic reaction to pollen released by various cedar trees.

Common cedar fever symptoms include itchy eyes, itchy throat, runny nose and nasal congestion.

The most common COVID-19 Omicron variant symptoms are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat.

Of course, it's always possible to have both allergies and a viral infection at the same time. If you have allergy signs like itchy eyes and a runny nose along with COVID-19 symptoms like fatigue and a fever, call your doctor.

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Get Tested

If you have symptoms or a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you should be tested, regardless of your vaccination status.

It may be hard to find at-home testing kits, as many stores are sold out of them due to high demand. If you're looking for a place to get tested, you can look at the list of Central Texas locations here.

14 Cities with the Highest STD Rates in Texas

Always remember to protect yourself and get tested frequently. Talk about your sexual history with any new partners and play it safe.

Gallery Credit: Toni Gee, Townsquare Media

13 Celebrities with Roots in Central Texas

Central Texas knows talent! From musicians and actresses to football players, we list 13 celebrities with roots right here in Central Texas.

Gallery Credit: Toni Gee, Townsquare Media

Only 6 Women Are On Death Row In Texas. Here's A Look At Their Crimes.

**This story has been updated to reflect the current status of Melissa Lucio, who is scheduled to be executed on April 27th, 2022.**

**UPDATE 4/25/22: An appeals court has delayed the Texas execution of Melissa Lucio so a lower court can review her case.



Texas has the most active death chamber nationwide.

Currently, four inmates are scheduled for execution in 2022, including Melissa Lucio. She is the only woman on the current schedule.

The six women on death row in Gatesville, Texas have been incarcerated for an average of almost two decades. Continue scrolling to see their stories.

Gallery Credit: Tamme Taylor

 

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