Fall Allergies vs. a Cold: How to Tell the Difference

What’s causing your sniffles?

In Tampa Bay, “cold-like” symptoms often spike when ragweed and mold counts rise. But treatment differs depending on the cause. Here’s a simple way to tell the difference—and what to do next.

Quick comparison

• Onset: Allergies come on fast (minutes to hours after exposure). Colds develop over 1–3 days.

• Fever/body aches: Rare with allergies, common with colds.

• Itchy/watery eyes: Common with allergies, uncommon with colds.

• Mucus: Allergies usually clear/watery; colds often thicker and can turn yellow/green.

• Duration: Allergies persist while you’re exposed; colds run ~7–10 days.

Self-care that actually helps

• Allergies: Daily saline rinses, consistent use of intranasal steroid sprays, second-generation antihistamines (non-drowsy).

• Colds: Rest, hydration, humidifier, saline sprays, and time. Most antibiotics don’t help viral colds.

When to call an ENT or allergist

• Symptoms last >2–3 weeks

• Sinus pressure with fever or worsening headaches

• Nighttime cough, wheeze, or recurrent sinus infections

• You want testing, tailored treatment, or allergy immunotherapy

How Vitale ENT can help

We offer on-site evaluation, imaging when appropriate, allergy testing, and evidence-based treatment—ranging from medical therapy to minimally invasive procedures.

Vitale ENT — Lutz • Wesley Chapel • Zephyrhills
Appointments: (813) 406-6440 | VitaleENT.com