HOLLAND, Mich., Oct. 2, 2025 — With the arrival of fall, Holland Hospital and other health care providers in West Michigan are reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases, alongside a rise in other seasonal illnesses. Ada Pariser, MD, with Holland Hospital Primary Care - Hudsonville, is encouraging the community to take proactive measures to protect their health and the health of those around them.
“As we transition into fall, it's crucial for our community to be vigilant about their health,” said Dr. Pariser. “The symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and seasonal allergies can often overlap, making it difficult to know exactly which condition you are affected by. It's important to understand the key differences to make informed decisions about your care and to prevent the spread of illness.”
The current dominant COVID-19 variant, the Stratus strain, presents with a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including fatigue, mild fevers, congestion, and gastrointestinal issues like upset stomachs and diarrhea. The wide range of symptoms can often be confused with common fall allergies, which can also cause runny noses and sneezing.
“While many symptoms overlap, a key differentiator is the presence of fever, body aches, or GI symptoms like diarrhea,” Dr. Pariser explained. “These are not typical for seasonal allergies and should be a signal to consider testing for COVID-19.”
Health care providers are also concerned about the broader public health landscape, which is compounded by a decline in overall immunization rates. A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that routine childhood and adolescent immunization rates have declined in Michigan since 2017. In Ottawa County specifically, a recent MDHHS quarterly report showed a decrease in flu vaccination coverage among children and adolescents.
This decline in immunization, combined with the rising number of illnesses, is particularly alarming given the severity of recent flu seasons. The MDHHS confirmed the first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths in Michigan for the 2024-2025 flu season in February, and the total number of pediatric flu deaths nationally for the season reached 266, the highest in any non-pandemic flu season since 2004.
Understanding the distinctions between COVID-19, the flu, and seasonal allergies is the first step toward effective management and prevention. While there's some symptom overlap, certain characteristics can help you differentiate between them.
COVID-19 and the flu are both caused by viruses, which often lead to systemic symptoms like fever, body aches, and fatigue. COVID-19, in particular, can also cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and upset stomach, and a notable symptom is the potential loss of taste or smell. While fever is possible with viral illnesses like the flu or COVID, it’s not a common symptom of seasonal allergies.
Seasonal fall allergies are an immune system response to allergens like pollen and mold. The symptoms are generally localized to the upper respiratory system, causing itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose. Allergies do not cause fever, body aches, or GI symptoms.
Dr. Pariser advises community members to talk to their health care provider about the latest COVID-19 vaccine and to get their flu shot as soon as they become available. To learn more, contact your primary care provider or find a provider at hollandhospital.org/findadoctor.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
Oct. 2, 2025