Boston Faces Seasonal Allergy Surge Amidst Low Respiratory Infection Rates
In Boston, the transition from cold season to allergy season is causing a noticeable increase in sniffles and coughs among commuters, particularly on the MBTA. According to The Boston Globe, experts report that allergy symptoms are currently more prevalent than respiratory infections, with flu, COVID-19, and RSV levels remaining low as of late March. Dr. Shira Doron from Tufts Medicine highlights that symptoms such as sneezing and itching are key indicators of allergies, while respiratory infections are more likely to cause fever and muscle aches. Dr. Aleena Banerji from Harvard Medical School notes that clear mucus is typically associated with allergies, whereas green mucus may indicate an infection. The article also mentions that many adults can develop seasonal allergies later in life, as experienced by a Boston University student who encountered high pollen levels for the first time. 
