Fall Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

A runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and a scratchy throat can leave you wondering: Is it fall allergies or am I coming down with a cold?

The two can feel very similar, especially during the fall when seasonal allergens and respiratory illnesses are both common. While symptoms alone can't always tell you exactly what's causing them, a few clues may help you tell the difference.

Look at Your Symptoms
Allergies and the common cold share several symptoms, including sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose. However, some symptoms are more likely to occur with one than the other.

Itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose, mouth, or throat are common signs of seasonal allergies. A sore throat, cough, mild body aches, or fever may be more consistent with a cold. Seasonal allergies do not cause a fever.

Keep in mind that symptoms can vary from person to person, so use this chart as a general guide rather than a diagnosis.

Pay Attention to When Symptoms Start
How your symptoms begin may offer another clue.

Allergy symptoms can develop soon after you're exposed to something you're allergic to. You might notice that symptoms become worse after spending time outdoors, doing yard work, or being around other common triggers. Symptoms may also continue as long as you're exposed to the allergen.

Cold symptoms are caused by a viral infection. They often develop gradually, with symptoms typically reaching their peak within two to three days of infection.

Consider How Long Your Symptoms Last
The length and pattern of your symptoms can also provide clues. While a typical cold is relatively short-lived, some symptoms, particularly a runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last 10 to 14 days and should gradually improve over time.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can last much longer if you continue to be exposed to the allergen. If you notice similar symptoms returning around the same time each year or flaring after exposure to certain environments, allergies may be playing a role.

Don't Rely on Mucus Color Alone
You may have heard that clear mucus means allergies while yellow or green mucus means you have an infection. It's not quite that simple.

During a cold, nasal mucus often starts clear and may change to white, yellow, or green after a few days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this color change is normal and doesn't necessarily mean you have a bacterial infection or need an antibiotic.

Instead of relying on mucus color alone, consider your other symptoms, how long they've lasted, and whether they're getting better or worse.

Why Can Allergies Be Worse in the Fall?
Spring may get most of the attention when it comes to seasonal allergies, but fall has its own common triggers.

Ragweed pollen is one of the most common causes of fall allergies, particularly in the Midwest. Ragweed typically releases pollen from August into November, with levels often peaking in early to mid-September. Mold spores are another potential trigger and can be found outdoors in places like fallen leaves and other vegetation.

Weather can also affect allergen levels from day to day. Warm, windy conditions can increase the amount of pollen in the air, while mold tends to thrive in warm, humid conditions.

When Should You See a Provider?
Sometimes, it's difficult to know what's causing your symptoms based on how you feel alone. Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses can cause cold-like symptoms, so testing or medical evaluation may be appropriate depending on your symptoms and circumstances.

As respiratory illness season approaches, now is also a good time to make sure you're up to date on your annual flu vaccine. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine each year for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. For most people, September and October are good times to get vaccinated, helping your body build protection before flu activity typically increases.

Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or concerning, aren't improving after 10 days, improve and then return or worsen, or if you have difficulty breathing, dehydration, or a fever that lasts longer than four days.

If allergy symptoms continue to return or interfere with your daily life, an allergist can help identify possible triggers. Allergy testing may be used to determine which allergens are contributing to your symptoms and help guide treatment.

Find Relief from Fall Allergies
If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms that aren’t improving, our allergy specialists can help. Often, multiple allergens can contribute to symptoms, and allergy testing can help identify specific triggers and guide an effective treatment plan. Schedule an appointment today to find a treatment plan that works for you and get back to enjoying the season.

Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Department

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov
https://acaai.org