Hay Fever or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference – Plus Tips to Manage Hay Fever

As the seasons shift and flowers bloom, many of us start to feel the all-too-familiar symptoms: sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes… but is it a cold, or could it be hay fever? Understanding the difference between the two is key to getting the right treatment and feeling better, faster.

🌼 Hay Fever vs. Cold – Spot the Difference

Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) and the common cold can feel similar at first, but there are some clear signs that set them apart:

Symptom	Hay Fever	Cold
Sneezing	Common	Common
Runny or blocked nose	Common, often with clear mucus	Common, mucus may become thicker
Itchy or watery eyes	Very common	Rare
Cough	Sometimes (from postnasal drip)	Common
Sore throat	Sometimes (mild)	Common
Fever	Rare	Sometimes (low-grade)
Duration	As long as exposed to allergens	Usually 5–10 days
Onset	Sudden, when exposed to pollen	Gradual onset after infection

🌿 Managing Hay Fever: Self-Care & Pharmacy Tips

If you’ve figured out your symptoms point to hay fever, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to manage it effectively.

✅ Self-Care Measures:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days, especially in the morning and evening.

• Shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen.

• Dry laundry indoors to prevent pollen from sticking to clothes and bedding.

• Use pollen filters in your car and vacuum regularly to reduce indoor allergens.

💊 Pharmacy Treatments:

Pharmacists can help you find over-the-counter treatments tailored to your symptoms:

• Antihistamines – Help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes (e.g. cetirizine, loratadine).

• Nasal sprays – Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation and congestion (e.g. beclometasone, fluticasone).

• Eye drops – Soothe red, itchy, or watery eyes caused by pollen.

• Decongestants – Short-term relief from a blocked nose (not for long-term use).

💬 Tip: Start your hay fever treatment early in the season before symptoms peak. This can help keep things under control more effectively.

Still struggling with symptoms?If your hay fever is affecting your day-to-day life or not responding well to pharmacy treatments, you might need a stronger, prescription-only medication.

📞 Contact Dr. Lau for personalised advice and treatment options – relief is possible with the right support.