March 2025
When you get the sniffles, you may have a hard time figuring out whether you have seasonal allergies or a cold. After all, sneezing and a runny nose are common symptoms of both.
Both allergies and colds can leave you feeling miserable. But treatment to help you feel better depends on what is causing your symptoms.
Check your symptoms
See how your symptoms compare to those commonly experienced by those with allergies and colds.
| Symptoms | Allergies | Colds |
| Cough | Sometimes | Often |
|---|---|---|
| Itchy eyes | Often | Rare |
| Fever | Never | Sometimes |
| Feeling tired | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Rare | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Often | Often |
| Runny nose | Often | Often |
| Stuffy nose | Often | Often |
How long do symptoms last?
Cold symptoms usually feel their worst two to three days after they start. A runny or stuffy nose and a cough get better over time but can last up to two weeks.
Seasonal allergy symptoms come on suddenly and last as long as the allergen that triggers your symptoms, such as tree or ragweed pollen, is in the air. Spring pollen allergies, for example, can last from February to early summer.
How to feel better
Whether it’s a cold or allergies, your pharmacist can help you choose the right over-the-counter medicine to help ease your symptoms — or head off seasonal allergies before they start.
When to see your doctor
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeing your doctor if you have:
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing.
- Symptoms that last more than 10 days without getting better.
- Symptoms that get better but return and are worse.
- Fever that lasts more than four days.
- Chronic health conditions that get worse.
- Any symptom that is severe or concerning.
