Your nose is stuffy. You’re sneezing. Your throat feels a little irritated. Is it fall allergies or are you coming down with a cold?
It isn’t always easy to tell. Seasonal allergies and the common cold share several symptoms, especially congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. But a few clues can help you figure out what may be behind the sniffles.
1. Pay Attention to Your Eyes
Itchy, watery or irritated eyes often point toward allergies. Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen or mold. In the fall, ragweed is one of the biggest triggers, particularly in the Midwest and eastern U.S.
A cold may make you feel generally under the weather, but itchy eyes are less typical.
2. Notice How Quickly Symptoms Appear
Allergy symptoms can show up soon after exposure to a trigger. Spend an afternoon outside when ragweed pollen is high, for example, and you may notice sneezing or congestion soon afterward.
Cold symptoms tend to develop more gradually and commonly include a stuffy or runny nose, cough, sneezing and sore throat.
3. Consider How Long You've Felt This Way
A cold typically improves on its own, although some symptoms can linger. According to the CDC, cold symptoms usually peak within two to three days.
Allergies are different. Symptoms can continue as long as you're exposed to whatever is triggering them. If your congestion seems to hang around for weeks or consistently returns after time outdoors, allergies may be the culprit.
4. Look Beyond Your Nose
Both allergies and colds can cause congestion and coughing, so consider what else you're experiencing.
More common with allergies:
Itchy or watery eyes, an itchy nose or throat, sneezing and symptoms that come and go with allergen exposure.
More common with a cold:
Sore throat, cough, headache, mild body aches and sometimes a low-grade fever.
A fever isn't associated with seasonal allergies. And if symptoms are more intense or come on abruptly with fever, chills or significant body aches, another respiratory illness such as flu may be responsible.
5. Think About the Season
Spring isn't the only allergy season. Ragweed pollen typically peaks around mid-September and can continue into the fall. Outdoor mold can also contribute to fall allergy symptoms.
At the same time, fall means more time indoors, kids back in school and plenty of opportunities for respiratory viruses to circulate. In other words, September can bring a little of both.
Support That Fits the Season
Once you have a better idea of what's behind your symptoms, you can choose support that makes sense for you and your family.
NaturalCare offers natural wellness options for seasonal allergies and cold season, including bioAllers® allergy formulas, including Allergy Nasal Spray, Cold & Flu Relief and a complete line of children's remedies.
If symptoms are severe, concerning, last more than 10 days without improving, or include difficulty breathing, contact a healthcare professional. Cold-like symptoms can also be caused by illnesses such as flu or COVID-19.
Claims are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated. Individual responses may vary, and this product may not work for everyone.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
