Hay Fever vs. Cold Symptoms: Our Experts Explain the Difference
Colds and hay fever are unwelcome visitors any time of year, but during allergy season, these conditions seem to ramp up and make your life extremely uncomfortable. The fatigue, stuffiness and sneezing make you miserable, but how can you be sure if these are coming from allergic rhinitis (more commonly called “hay fever”) or a cold? Deciding on the best course of treatment depends on having an accurate answer.
We’ll take a closer look at hay fever vs. cold symptoms, how to tell them apart, and the many ways our team at Raleigh Adult Medicine is ready to help you. We’ll also tackle some of the most common questions our patients ask us.
You don’t have to suffer from seasonal allergies. At Raleigh Adult Medicine, we offer allergy testing and treatment to help you overcome the troublesome symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies. Our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh are taking new patients! Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
Hay Fever vs. Cold Symptoms: What Are the Differences?
Because some of these symptoms overlap, it can be difficult to determine if you have a cold or hay fever. It frequently takes a visit to one of our allergy specialists in Raleigh to help determine the subtle differences and create a tailored treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms.
The table below provides some insight into the differences between the symptoms of hay fever vs. a cold.
A Quick Comparison: Hay Fever vs. Cold Symptoms
| Hay Fever | Cold | |
| Fever | No | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Yes | Yes |
| Cough | Sometimes | Yes |
| Sore throat | Rarely | Yes |
| Runny nose | Yes | Yes |
| Itchy eyes | Yes | Rarely |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Antibiotics Are Not Effective Against Colds Or Allergies
We want to clarify that a cold is caused by a virus, and antibiotics aren’t useful in fighting viruses unless there is an active infection present. In most cases, a cold just must “run its course.” If you are in reasonably good health with a strong immune system, most colds will clear your system within seven to ten days.
Likewise, antibiotics aren’t effective against hay fever because the disease is caused by an allergic reaction, and this reaction must be treated to provide relief. Unlike a cold, hay fever or allergic rhinitis can be chronic depending upon exposure to the allergen.
Is Hay Fever Contagious?
No. Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction and not a virus, so it’s not contagious. Usually, these allergic reactions are sparked by contact with allergens such as pollen, weeds, grasses or pet dander.
Despite having the word “fever” in its name, the disease does not involve a fever–nor does it mean an allergy to hay.
Does Hay Fever Feel Like the Flu?
It can, but there are some differences that can determine if you have allergic rhinitis or the flu. Remember:
- Allergies like hay fever rarely cause body aches, but the flu frequently does.
- Hay fever symptoms focus on itchy eyes and irritated throats, while the flu typically does not.
- Fevers are very rare with allergies, but common with the flu.
- If your symptoms gradually build over time, you probably have an allergy, because flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. The key to flu symptoms is that they hit hard and fast!
How Long Does Hay Fever Last Compared to a Regular Cold?
We’ve reviewed some of the different symptoms in the chart above, but another aspect that makes hay fever different from a cold is its duration.
In general, colds will go away after ten days. However, hay fever will linger as long as you’re exposed to whatever is causing the allergic reaction. In addition, hay fever typically starts soon after you’re exposed to the allergen, while a cold may take two to three days to develop.
Is Hay Fever Making You Miserable? Get Effective Relief Through Raleigh Adult Medicine
As internal medicine doctors in Raleigh, we’re keenly aware of how all the body’s systems interact. This allows us to present a holistic and comprehensive approach to medicine. We understand how chronic allergies can transform your everyday life, and we offer services such as immunotherapy and effective medication to help you.
Looking for a medical home where the physicians will listen to you? Want to spend less time in the waiting room and more time with your doctor? If so, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us and see why we’re the area’s premier medical provider.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.