The season of budding trees and blooming flowers is right around the corner, and for many, that means sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. But how do you know if you’re dealing with seasonal allergies or an illness like a cold or the flu?
The symptoms can seem similar at first, but there are a few key differences that can help you determine the likely cause of your springtime suffering, and if it’s time to seek medical care.
Spring allergies
Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system reacts to irritants like tree pollen, grasses, or other plants. Symptoms can include sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose, red and watery eyes, and eye discomfort. Symptoms usually continue for as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Over the counter medications may bring relief, but a prescription medication may be needed in severe cases.
Viral illnesses
Colds and flu are caused by viruses and spread easily through contact. Both can cause runny nose, congestion, cough, sore throat and other symptoms, but flu symptoms are usually more severe and may include a high fever, body aches, and headache. Most people who have a cold or the flu recover gradually over several days.
| Symptom |
Airborne Allergy |
Cold |
Flu |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Usual |
Sometimes |
| Fever |
Never |
Rate |
Usual, often severe |
| Body aches |
Never |
Slight |
Usual, often severe |
| Fatigue |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Usual |
| Headache |
Uncommon |
Uncommon |
Common |
| Stuffy, runny nose |
Common |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Cough |
Sometimes |
Common |
Common, sometimes severe |
| Sore throat |
Sometimes |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Itchy, watery eyes |
Common |
Sometimes |
Uncommon |
When to see a healthcare provider
Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, a cold, or the flu, the best medicine often starts at home with a little self-care, including over the counter medication to treat your symptoms. But if your symptoms are severe, last for more than 10 days, or aren’t relieved by over the counter medications, it’s time to see a provider. To improve access to timely care, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center recently increased the number of same- and next-day sick visit appointments for established patients at its Bangor-area health centers, including locations in Bangor, Brewer, and Hampden. Now, it is much easier to see a provider when you need one, so you can feel better, faster.