What is the difference between hay fever and a common cold?
Hay fever and a common cold are two distinct conditions caused by different triggers: hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, while a common cold is a viral infection. Although they share similar symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, they differ in how quickly symptoms appear, how long they last, and which specific symptoms are present. Understanding these differences helps you identify which condition you have and get the right treatment.
Key points:
- Hay fever symptoms appear almost instantly after exposure to pollen, whereas cold symptoms develop gradually over a day or two
- Hay fever causes itchy, watery eyes and an itchy throat, which are not typical of a cold, whilst colds often include a sore throat, cough, and sometimes fever
- Hay fever can last for weeks or months as long as you're exposed to allergens, but a common cold typically clears within 7 to 10 days
- Hay fever symptoms improve when you're indoors with windows closed, whereas cold symptoms don't change based on your location
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by medino's clinical team.