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The Difference Between Hay Fever & a Cold

woman blowing nose due to hay fever allergies

With so many similar symptoms, from sneezing to a runny nose, it can be difficult spot the difference between hay fever and a cold.

Many hay fever sufferers experience mild to moderate hay fever throughout the year, with a spike in symptoms during spring due to seasonal triggers.

If you have never had hay fever before, you are more likely to assume you have a common cold that never seems to end! But, hay fever allergies can start at any time in life and can even be triggered for the first time by a cold or flu, due to the stress on the immune system.

 

So, what are the similarities?

man with hay fever wiping his nose with a tissue

Most people know that sneezing, runny noses, congestion and sinus pain are all common cold and hay fever symptoms. Some lesser known shared symptoms include tiredness, headaches and difficulty concentrating.

Coughs are another common symptom. Coughs are most commonly caused by viral infections or mucous in the chest from a cold or flu. Although, the throat can also be irritated by hay fever allergens, leading to a dry hay fever cough.

With so many common symptoms, it’s easy to see why people can get confused. Knowing the difference between a cold and hay fever is important to help ensure you choose the correct treatment.

 

What is the difference between hay fever and a cold?

plant realising pollen that causes hay fever

Firstly it’s important to know that a cold is caused by a virus.

Whereas hay fever is predominately caused by an allergic response, typically to:

  • Seasonal triggers (spring time) –
    • pollens
    • plant phenolics
  • Perennial triggers (year round) –

So, what are the distinguishing symptoms?

woman with a sore throat to tell the difference between hay fever and a cold

  • Itchiness – There is one symptom in particular that can help spot the difference between hay fever and a cold and that’s…itchiness! If you have itchy eyes, an itchy throat, even an itchy palate, then it’s probably hay fever. The only exception would be for an itchy nose, which can appear before a sneeze in both hay fever and a cold.
  • Nasal discharge – The colour of your nasal discharge is another way to spot the difference between hay fever and a cold. Although not the most pleasant of topics, it’s a helpful indicator. If it’s a cold your nasal discharge is more likely to be yellowish/green, whereas if it’s hay fever it will most likely be more watery and clear.
  • Sore throat – With hay fever, you rarely get a sore throat, whereas it is a frequent indicator of an impending cold, along with a cough. A hay fever cough is usually caused more by an itchy dry feeling in the throat. Therefore, if you have cold-like symptoms and a sore throat, it is more likely to be a cold.
  • Duration – Another good indicator of which condition you have is the duration of your symptoms. The onset of a cold is usually a gradual process, which can last for up to 14 days. Hay fever symptoms tend to come on all at once and can unfortunately last much longer. Hay fever symptoms can last for days, weeks, months or even all year round – as long as you are exposed to the allergen.

Is it possible to get hay fever and a cold at the same time?

woman with hay fever blowing nose with tissue

Yes, although this is a cruel trick your body can play on you, resulting in severe symptoms common to both conditions.

The cold or flu symptoms start to abate after about 14 days but mild/moderate hay fever symptoms continue to linger.

Natural Hay Fever Treatment

lawn mower on grass which causes hay fever

At Health & Wellness Australia/Auckland, we specialise in a natural hay fever treatment to help manage the symptoms of hay fever, and other allergy-related conditions, called Positive Association Technique (PAT)

PAT is a non-invasive, natural allergy treatment which:

  • performed by qualified Naturopaths
  • draws on kinesiology and acupressure techniques
  • aims to re-train your body to minimise reactions to substances like pollen, dust mites or pets
  • Send our Practitioners a Question HERE
  • Request a FREE PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note this blog is general information only. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any diet or lifestyle changes

 

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