Get ready. Thanks to a relatively mild winter and a wet start to spring, allergy season has already begun in some parts of the country. And often, that combination means the allergy season will tougher than normal. We’ll give you a word of caution right now: Even if you didn’t grow up with allergies, “adult-onset allergies” are becoming more common. So staying aware of your symptoms is key in how to beat allergy season.
First, know if you’re facing allergies or a cold. What’s the difference?
- Colds last three to 14 days, though allergies can last a few days to several months.
- Colds set in a few days after virus exposure, but allergies can start right away when allergens are around.
- Colds often give you a sore throat, coughing fits, and a runny or stuff nose with yellow mucus. Sometimes, you’ll experiences aches or fatigue, with rare cases bringing along fevers and itchy, watery eyes.
- Allergies often give you itchy and watery eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose with clear mucus. Sometimes, you’ll experience coughing, fatigue or a sore throat, but you should never have aches or a fever with allergies.
Both colds and allergy spells can turn into sinus infections, in which case, you’ll need to see a doctor to get back on track. If you’re prone to allergies or colds, it’s a good idea to check in with your doc periodically so you can have a game plan suited to you and your lifestyle. For some people, it’s even helpful to take allergy medicines before symptoms hit, and a professional can tell you if you should.
Whether you’re currently ill or you just want to stay prepared, contact us on how to beat allergy season. As you’ve heard before, no question is a silly question. We’ll help you show this tough allergy season who’s boss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allergies and colds differ mainly in duration and symptoms. Colds last from three to 14 days and usually start a few days after exposure to a virus, often causing sore throat, coughing, and yellow mucus. Allergies, however, can last from days to months and begin immediately upon exposure to allergens, typically causing itchy, watery eyes and clear nasal mucus without fever or body aches.
Yes, adult-onset allergies are becoming more common now. Adults who didn’t have allergies as children can start experiencing symptoms due to various environmental factors and changes in immune response. Staying aware of any new allergy symptoms and consulting a healthcare provider is important for managing these cases.
You can distinguish allergies from a cold by noting symptom duration and type. Allergies cause itchy, watery eyes and clear mucus and persist as long as allergens are present. Colds produce yellow mucus, sore throat, and may involve fever or body aches, but they resolve within about two weeks. If symptoms like fever or body aches are present, it is more likely a cold.
Yes, both prolonged allergies and colds can lead to sinus infections, which often require medical diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond the typical duration, consulting a healthcare professional is important to receive appropriate care and prevent complications.
For some individuals prone to allergies, taking allergy medicine as a preventive measure before symptoms start can be helpful. A healthcare professional can recommend if this strategy suits your lifestyle and allergy pattern, ensuring better control of symptoms during allergy season.
A relatively mild winter combined with a wet start to spring can contribute to an early and potentially tougher allergy season. These weather conditions promote increased pollen production from trees and plants, which can exacerbate allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Staying prepared involves monitoring symptoms closely, differentiating between colds and allergies, and consulting with a healthcare provider to create a tailored allergy management plan. This plan may include pre-season allergy medications and strategies to minimize allergen exposure.