Fall Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

Sniffling and sneezing? Here’s how to determine what’s to blame.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start falling, you may suddenly find yourself sneezing and sniffling. Your eyes may also be watery, and you may even feel like your head is in the clouds. When this happens, how do you know if you’re dealing with fall allergies or if you’ve caught a cold?

“The symptoms of allergies and a cold can be similar, which can make it tricky to determine what’s to blame,” said Weiran “Vivian” Zhang DO, a PIH Health family medicine doctor at Hacienda Heights Medical Office Building.

Allergies vs. Colds: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a brief overview of these common conditions that highlights some differences to make it easier to figure out what may be causing your symptoms:

Allergies are your body’s way of overreacting to things like ragweed pollen, mold, or dust. Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes an itchy throat or ears. You usually won’t get a fever. Your symptoms can last for weeks if you’re around the trigger.

Colds are caused by a virus. They can start with a sore throat, then move on to congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, mild fatigue, body aches, and sometimes a cough. You might get a low-grade fever. Symptoms usually clear up within 7 to 10 days.

According to Dr. Zhang, “If your eyes are itchy and watery, allergies are more likely to blame. If you’re feeling achy, tired, or have a fever, it’s probably a cold.”

What About the Flu or COVID-19?

The flu and COVID-19 can have symptoms that are similar to colds, but they tend to cause more severe fatigue and body aches, as well as higher fevers. “Newer strains of COVID-19 may also cause symptoms such as a very painful, scratchy sore throat, referred to as “razor blade throat”, hoarseness or a raspy voice,” added Dr. Zhang.

Tips to Feel Better This Fall

Whether allergies or a cold are causing your symptoms, all you want to do is feel better. Here are some tips that can help:

If it’s allergies:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outside.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use a saline nasal rinse to wash allergens out of your nose.
• Try over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays to ease symptoms (follow directions carefully).

If it’s a cold:

• Rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a humidifier to help with congestion.
• Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs.
• Listen to your body. If you feel run-down, take it easy.
• Try over-the-counter cold medicines to ease symptoms (follow directions carefully).

Allergies and colds can make you feel pretty similar, but paying attention to specific symptoms and when they’re at their worst can help you figure out what’s going on. Keep in mind that allergies usually stick around as long as you’re exposed to your triggers and don’t cause fever, while colds are short-lived but can make you feel more run-down. And remember that flu and COVID-19 can also be possible culprits.

“If your symptoms are severe, last longer than expected or you’re not sure what’s causing them, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor,” said Dr. Zhang.

Need to find a primary care physician? Visit PIHHealth.org/Doctors for a complete list of doctors in your area.