Determining whether you’re dealing with hay fever, a cold, or another health issue can be tricky, yet understanding the differences is key. Both ailments can result in strikingly similar symptoms, so how do these distinct conditions lead to such overlapping signs?

Experiencing nasal congestion or a runny nose often disrupts breathing at night, leading to restless sleep and leaving you fatigued the following day.

Various respiratory viruses are known to cause cold-like symptoms. These include rhinoviruses, non-SARS coronaviruses, adenoviruses, along with more potent viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, which is triggered by SARS-CoV-2.

Symptoms of hay fever can persist throughout the spring to summer pollen season, known as seasonal hay fever, or they may occur whenever an individual encounters a specific allergen that prompts a reaction.

In contrast, viruses like influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV pose a greater threat, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions. Such infections can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis or bronchiolitis, and in extreme cases, can be fatal. Therefore, seeking prompt medical attention is vital.

So how can you tell the difference?

Hay fever symptoms may last for the duration of the spring to summer pollen season (seasonal hay fever), or whenever the person is exposed to the particular allergen that triggers them.

What do you need to watch out for?

However, influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV can cause complications for those with compromised immune systems, young children, pregnant women, older people and those with underlying lung diseases. Complications can include pneumonia (severe lung infection), bronchitis/bronchiolitis (inflamed airways) and even death, so early health care can be crucial.

Why you might get both at the same time

However, other studies suggest hay fever might actually be a protective factor against severe COVID. This highlights how complex the relationship is between pollen, our immune system and respiratory viruses.

What should we do to control symptoms of allergy?

If you also have asthma, see your doctor to review and update your treatment plan and preventer inhaler every year.