Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, and a Sore Throat: Is It a Spring Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

Adults typically get two to three colds a year, while children suffer more frequently because they lack immunity to the numerous cold viruses. 

Seasonal allergies are also very common, affecting 25.7% of the population in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Colds frequently strike between September and May, overlapping with spring and fall allergy seasons, so it can be difficult to know which you or your child has. At Wake Family Medicine, we often see acute care patients this time of year with symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere, and many of them ask the same question: “What’s causing this?”

Colds

Cold viruses spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Common cold symptoms include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Mild fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Body aches

Colds usually come on suddenly and last about seven to ten days. You may feel more tired than usual and even have a low-grade fever. The first few days are typically the worst, and then you start to feel better.

Seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies or hay fever (allergic rhinitis) happen when your body reacts to something harmless — like pollen — as if it were a threat. Your immune system releases chemicals called histamines, which cause symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat or ears
• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of your throat)

Unlike a cold, allergies don’t go away in a few days. They can last for weeks or months, depending on what you’re allergic to and how much pollen is in the air.

Allergies often show up around the same time each year. If you notice that your symptoms come every spring, especially when the trees or grass start to bloom, allergies could be to blame.

Key differences between a cold and allergies

As you can see from the symptoms listed above, colds and allergies cause many of the same problems. Here’s how they differ:

Mucus production

As colds progress, you produce thicker, colored mucus. With allergies, mucus typically remains clear.

Throat soreness

Colds often cause severe sore throats for a few days. Allergies may cause a mild sore throat (usually due to postnasal drip) that comes and goes.

Fever and body aches

Colds can sometimes cause a mild fever, but despite its name, you won’t get one with hay fever. Allergies don’t cause body aches, either.

Itchiness

Itchy eyes are common with allergies but unusual for colds.

Coughing

Most colds produce repeated coughing that expels thick mucus from the airways. Because you’re unlikely to produce this thick mucus with allergies, coughs are milder, less frequent, and sometimes absent.

You're not alone if you’re unsure whether you have a cold or allergies. Here’s what we recommend:

Track your symptoms

Pay attention to when they start and how long they last. Watch for a fever or body aches, which usually indicate a cold.

Notice patterns

Do your symptoms happen every spring? Do they improve when you stay indoors? That could point to allergies.

Try over-the-counter antihistamines

Allergy medications like loratadine or cetirizine can ease symptoms. If they help, that’s another clue it’s probably allergies.

Stay hydrated and rest

This is good advice whether you have a cold or allergies.

When to see a doctor for cold and allergy symptoms

You should visit Wake Family Medicine if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days
• You have a high fever or feel very unwell
• You’re having trouble breathing
• Over-the-counter medicines aren’t helping
• You want to get tested for allergies or need a treatment plan

We can help you figure out whether it’s a virus, allergies, or something else and guide you on the best treatment to feel better fast. Our pediatric care experts are on hand for children with cold and allergy symptoms.

Spring is a beautiful time, but it can also bring some sniffles and sneezes. Knowing whether you’re dealing with a cold or allergies can make a big difference in how you treat it.

If you’re unsure, don’t guess. We’re here to help you enjoy the season again. Ring the Wake Family Medicine office in Cary, North Carolina, and speak to our reception team, or book an appointment online today.