You just got back from an outdoor trip and all of a sudden, your eyes feel itchy, your throat feels scratchy and you start sneezing every now and then.
You feel confused if it’s just allergies acting up? Or is it a cold, or worse, could it be COVID?
We all have been through these situations, but it’s frustrating when symptoms overlap and you are just searching for signs on the internet and trying to figure out what is happening.
This blog will clearly distinguish between hay fever, a cold, and COVID. You’ll learn their symptoms, different causes, and likely treatment options.
What Causes Hay Fever, Cold, and COVID?
Hay fever, the common cold, and COVID can all leave you feeling run-down but the reasons behind them are very different.
Once you know the causes, you can control the triggers and also find the right treatment to recover from the allergies or infection.
Let’s break it down:
| Condition | Cause |
| Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) | Triggered by an allergic reaction, usually to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. |
| Common Cold | Caused by rhinoviruses and other cold viruses. These spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or touches shared surfaces. |
| COVID | Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or other variants. It spreads primarily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes near others and can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. |
Cold vs. Hay Fever: Which One Do You Have?
It can be tricky to tell whether you’re dealing with a cold or hay fever, especially when the symptoms overlap.
But there are key differences and once you know them, you can take the right steps to feel better, faster.
Here’s how to tell the difference at a glance:
| Symptom | Cold | Hay Fever |
| Cause | Virus (rhinovirus) | Allergic reaction |
| Onset | Gradual – over a few days | Sudden – often triggered by exposure |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Frequent and intense |
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
| Itchy/Watery Eyes | Rare | Very common |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Sometimes (due to post-nasal drip) |
| Body Aches | Sometimes | Rare |
| Fatigue | Mild to moderate | Rare |
| Contagious | Yes | No |
The main difference? If your symptoms come on suddenly, are worse outdoors, and involve itchy eyes or sneezing fits, hay fever is likely the culprit. However, it might be a cold if you’re feeling sluggish, have body aches, or a mild fever.
Symptom Comparison: Hay Fever vs Covid
It’s allergy season, but someone around you also tested positive for COVID. Now you’re stuck wondering: “Is this just pollen messing with me, or should I be isolating?”
While hay fever and COVID can feel similar at first glance, a few key clues can help you tell them apart.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make sense of your symptoms:
| Symptom | Hay Fever (Allergies) | COVID-19 |
| Fever | Not typical | Common, especially in early stages |
| Itchy eyes or nose | Very common | Rare |
| Sneezing | Common | Common, especially with newer variants |
| Cough | Sometimes (from post-nasal drip) | Often dry and persistent |
| Shortness of breath | Unless allergic asthma is present | Possible, especially in moderate/severe cases |
| Fatigue | Mild | Common |
| Loss of taste/smell | Rare | Classic symptom |
| Contagious | No | Yes |
Treatment Options for Hay Fever, Cold, and COVID
Hay fever is an allergic reaction, so the goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and block the body’s histamine response.
Common treatments for hay fever include:
- Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine/Zyrtec, loratadine/Claritin)
- Nasal sprays (steroid or antihistamine-based)
- Eye drops for itchiness and watering
- Decongestants to relieve a stuffy nose
- In some cases, allergy shots or immunotherapy may be recommended for long-term relief
Treatment options for the Common Cold
Since common cold is caused by a virus so the symptoms usually resolve on their own within 7-10 days. Your doctor may recommend only symptomatic management:
- Plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Rest
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses
- Steam inhalation to relieve congestion
- Cough suppressants or lozenges, if needed
Treatment options for COVID
COVID treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are.
For mild to moderate symptoms (e.g., sore throat, cough, fatigue):
- Rest and hydration
- Fever reducers or pain relievers
- Monitoring symptoms for any changes
For moderate to severe symptoms (e.g., breathing difficulties, high fever, or chest pain), the patient might need an emergency room if oxygen support or immediate care is needed.
Typical Recovery Time: Hay Fever, Cold, or COVID?
The time it takes for these conditions to improve depends on factors like the severity of symptoms and causes.
Hay fever: Depending on the severity of your condition, symptoms can last weeks or even months.
Cold: There is generally a symptomatic treatment for the common cold. Sometimes, it usually goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days.
COVID: The duration of COVID depends on how your body reacts to the virus. If you have mild symptoms like fever and cough, they can get better in one to two weeks.
But if you are experiencing severe symptoms of pneumonia and trouble breathing, then it may take more time, like three to six weeks.
Is Hay Fever, Cold or COVID Contagious? Understanding Transmission Risks
Hay fever is not contagious since it is only an allergic reaction. However, common cold and COVID are both contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets and are easily passed from one person to another.
Cold and COVID can also spread when you touch a contaminated surface or come in close contact with an infected individual.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care for Hay Fever?
Most hay fever symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments. But sometimes, allergies don’t play by the rules and that’s when it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider.
You may want to seek medical attention if:
- Your symptoms aren’t improving with typical allergy medications
- You experience persistent pressure on the cheekbones (sinus pressure), facial pain, or signs of an infection in the cheek or forehead bones (sinus infection).
- You’re dealing with congestion or frequent headaches
- Hay fever is interfering with sleep, focus, or daily activities
- You notice worsening asthma or breathing difficulty along with allergy symptoms
Takeaway
Hay fever symptoms can sometimes resemble those of a cold or COVID-19, making it hard to tell them apart.
If you’re unsure or need a personalized treatment plan, our healthcare providers in Indiana and Illinois are here to help. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and get you started on the right treatment promptly.