Hay Fever vs Common Cold: How To Tell A Difference?
Written by Sai Pragna Chagarla, Writer at Hola Health
Medically Reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Contents

What is Hay fever?
What is the Common Cold?
Shared symptoms of Hay fever and cold
- Runny or stuffy nose: Both hay fever and the common cold can cause nasal congestion and discharge.
- Sneezing: Sneezing is a common symptom of both hay fever and the common cold. This is often occurring due to irritation of the nasal passages.
- Sore throat: Itchy or scratchy throat sensations may occur in both hay fever and the common cold. The sore throat symptoms are typically milder in hay fever than in common colds.
- Cough: Coughing can occur in both conditions. It is often more prominent in the common cold, particularly if there is congestion or postnasal drip.
- Fatigue: Both hay fever and the common cold can cause feelings of fatigue or tiredness.
- Headache: Headaches may occur in both hay fever and the common cold. They are typically mild and transient in hay fever.
Symptoms of Common Cold Only
- Fever: The common cold can often cause a mild to moderate fever, whereas hay fever does not typically produce fever symptoms.
- Body Aches: Muscle aches and general body discomfort are common with the common cold.
- Chills: Cold-induced chills, where the body feels unusually cold despite normal temperatures, can occur with the common cold but are not a symptom of hay fever.
- Chest Congestion: The common cold may cause chest congestion. It is a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest.
- Productive Cough: Coughing up mucus or phlegm, known as a productive cough, is more commonly associated with the common cold than with hay fever.
- Decreased Appetite: Loss of appetite is a common symptom of the common cold. It is due to the nasal congestion affecting the sense of taste and smell.
- Occurrence: The common cold is caused by viral infections and can occur year-round, although it is more common in the autumn and winter months.
Symptoms of Hay fever Only
- Itchy or watery eyes: Itchiness and redness of the eyes, along with excessive tearing, are hallmark symptoms of hay fever. These symptoms are less commonly associated with the common cold.
- Dark circles or swelling under the eyes: These can occur in individuals with hay fever due to nasal congestion and venous congestion around the eyes.
- Constant rubbing of nose: People with hay fever may develop a habitual upward rubbing of the nose, in response to nasal itching.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: In addition to eye itching and watering, hay fever can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. This condition, known as allergic conjunctivitis, is characterised by redness, swelling, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
- Nasal congestion without discharge: While both hay fever and the common cold can cause nasal congestion. However, individuals with hay fever may experience congestion without the accompanying nasal discharge seen in the common cold. This is because hay fever is primarily an allergic reaction to airborne allergens rather than a viral infection.
- Symptoms triggered by specific allergens: Hay fever symptoms are typically triggered by exposure to specific allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould spores.
- Continuous bouts of sneezing
Hay fever vs cold – Duration
Hay fever vs cold – Prevention
Prevention of Hay Fever
- Avoid Allergens:
- For Pollen:
- Limit outdoor activities until after noon on high-pollen days or during thunderstorms.
- Refrain from mowing grass or engaging in outdoor activities known to increase pollen exposure.
- Avoid air-drying clothing and bedding outside.
- Wear protective eyewear when outdoors.
- Utilise recirculated air in vehicles.
- Websites such as Pollen Count help you monitor pollen counts in your area and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
- For pet dander:
- Consider keeping pets outdoors or in designated areas with good ventilation.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets.
- For dust and dust mites:
- Minimise items prone to collecting dust, such as soft toys and fur-based products.
- Wash bedding, pillowcases, and curtains frequently; consider using dust-mite resistant covers.
- Vacuum living spaces regularly.
- For mould and spores:
- Avoid hiking or outdoor activities during high pollen seasons.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and natural light indoors.
- Carefully remove visible mould.
- For Pollen:
- Medications: Speak to a doctor and get your allergy action plan ready. Keep your medication and allergy action plan along with you. In the case of children, ensure their teacher or school is aware of their allergy action plan.
Prevention of the Common Cold
- Hand Hygiene: Practise good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers. This can prevent the spread of cold viruses by removing infectious respiratory secretions from the hands.
- Avoid Close Contact: Do not have close contact with individuals who have cold symptoms. Do not share personal items such as utensils, towels, or drinking glasses with others during the cold season.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. This will prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing cold viruses.
- Boost Immunity: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet. Get regular exercise, manage stress, and ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. This will help boost the immune function of your body.
When to consult a doctor?
- If your hay fever symptoms are persistent, severe, or interfering with your daily activities despite over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to consult a doctor.
- If you have a history of asthma and notice worsening asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, in conjunction with hay fever symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
- If your symptoms are severe or persist for more than 10 days without improvement, it may be a sign of a secondary infection or a more serious underlying condition requiring medical evaluation.
- If you develop a high fever (usually above 100.4°F or 38°C), along with chills, body aches, or persistent cough.
- If your cold symptoms initially improve but then get worse.
- If you experience new or unusual symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to see a doctor promptly.
- If you are a young child, old adult, pregnant, and or an individual with a weakened immune system, you must speak to a doctor immediately.
Feeling sick and unsure why? Speak with a GP online in 15 minutes.
Feeling sick and unsure why? Speak with a GP online in 15 minutes.
Reference
- Managing Hay Fever – NPS Medicinewise – Reference Link
- Colds – Health Direct – Reference Link
- Common Cold – Department of Health Western Australia: Reference Link
- The Common Cold – Lung Foundation Australia: Reference Link
- Hay Fever – Health Direct: Reference Link
- Allergic Rhinitis in Australia – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Reference Link
- Allergic Rhinitis and Allergic Conjuctivitis – Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia: Reference Link
- Sniffles, Sneezing & Cough – The university of Queensland Australia: Reference Link
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This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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