As fall sets in across the United States, millions of Americans may find themselves dealing with seasonal allergies, the common cold or the flu – illnesses with overlapping symptoms that can be difficult to tell apart.
As the season brings cool temperatures, many people become ill from the sudden shift from pleasant warmth to cold; it works alongside fall allergies, often making both symptoms worse.
Colds, flu and allergies all affect the respiratory system, making breathing difficult, especially when multiple illnesses combine.
Fall allergies are often triggered by pollen or mold in the air and are not caused by viruses like the common cold or flu.
When you suffer from allergens, the body’s immune system responds to a trigger or allergen that you are allergic to.
“If you have allergies and breathe in substances like pollen or pet dander, the immune cells in your nose and airways may overreact to these harmless substances,” News in Health expert Dr. Teresa Hauguel said of infectious diseases that affect breathing.
Common Fall Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy nose or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Mild cough
Each condition has key symptoms that distinguish it from allergies.
It can be difficult to tell a cold from a fall allergy, but these symptoms set them apart. Colds and flu can cause a runny nose, congestion, cough, and sore throat that can last for several days.
If you have fall allergies, the best way to treat yourself is to limit exposure to the outdoors, where pollen and other triggers can have an effect.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can provide quick relief if symptoms are too unbearable.
Colds are caused by a virus, which is often caught by contacting contaminated surfaces or engaging in respiratory activity, according to Southern New Hampshire Health.
When an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, they release virus-filled droplets into the air. If you are between 3 and 6 feet from the infected person, you become susceptible to these droplets landing in your mouth, nose, and eyes.
Cold symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Slight fatigue
- Mild pain in the body
Most people with cold or flu symptoms recover on their own without medical attention, but it’s always worth seeing a healthcare professional if symptoms persist beyond 10 days and over-the-counter medications don’t work.
To treat a cold or flu, experts suggest getting enough rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
The more severe these symptoms are, the greater the indication that you have an illness and not common fall allergies.
Cold Treatment Options
- Nasal congestion – Topical intranasal pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline (limit topical decongestants to no more than three days to avoid rebound rhinitis).
- Cough – Dextromethorphan or honey.
- Fever/pain — Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen is more effective than acetaminophen for fever-related discomfort).
Fever is rarely associated with a cold and often indicates a more serious illness, such as the flu.
If you think you have the flu and not a cold, a good rule of thumb is that flu symptoms are usually much more severe than those of a cold.
Gn Health
