When the warmth of summer calls you outdoors, the last thing you want to experience is excessive sneezing, a runny nose or a scratchy throat. These symptoms can be caused by both a summer cold and hay fever, making it challenging to determine which one you’re dealing with. Understanding the differences can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and enjoy the summer season to its fullest.
What is a summer cold?
A summer cold, much like a winter cold, is caused by a viral infection. The most common culprits are rhinoviruses, but other viruses like enteroviruses can also be to blame. Here’s what you need to know:
What are the symptoms of a summer cold?
Some common symptoms include the following:
- Runny or stuffy nose – A classic sign of a cold.
- Sore throat – Often the first symptom to appear.
- Cough – Can be persistent and irritating.
- Sneezing – Frequent and forceful.
- Fatigue – General tiredness and malaise.
- Mild fever – Can sometimes accompany a cold.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen. During summer, grass pollen is a common trigger, especially in late spring and early summer but other triggers include dust mites and pet dander.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
- Runny or stuffy nose – Often with a clear, watery discharge.
- Sneezing – Frequent and in bouts.
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat – A hallmark of allergic reactions.
- Watery eyes – Due to the irritation of pollen.
- Fatigue – Can result from prolonged allergic reactions.
- No fever – Unlike colds, hay fever doesn’t cause a fever.
Key differences between summer colds & hay fever
Summer cold
- Caused by a viral infection.
- Possible mild fever.
- Uncommon to experience itchy eyes and throat.
- Occurs suddenly & lasts 7-10 days.
- Colds can happen year round, but are less common in summer.
Hay fever
- Caused by an allergic reaction to pollen and other allergens such as dust mites.
- No fever.
- Very common to experience itchy eyes and throat.
- Gradual onset, can last anywhere from a few weeks to months.
- Mostly seasonal, worse during late spring & early summer.
Managing symptoms
To manage the symptoms of a summer cold, you should:
- Rest & stay hydrated – drink up to 6-8 glasses of fluid a day to reduce the risk of dehydration
- Over the counter cold remedies – this includes decongestants such as nasal sprays
- Warm teas and throat lozenges can help with a sore throat too
To manage the symptoms of hay fever, you should:
- Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high
- Take antihistamines to help control symptoms – available in the form of oral tablets or nasal sprays
Treatment options with Be Well
Here at Be Well, we have treatments available for both summer colds and hay fever. Ease your discomfort today and start our quick and easy consultations below to receive effective treatment options.