Often people experience sneezing and congestion and are unclear of the difference between a cold and hay fever - very common in spring.

What is the difference?

• This time of the year can be confusing especially with a late carry over of winter illnesses.
• Basically, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, dust or pets.
• The common cold is an infection caused by a virus most often: rhinovirus.
• Hay-fever comes on suddenly, lasts for days to weeks, often frequent sneezing, and red itchy watery eyes, itchy throat, nose. No temperature.
• Common Cold: Comes on gradually over days, last 5 to 10 days, thick yellow nose discharge, mild eye irritation, less sneezing, often temperature and muscle ache.

How should you tell the difference?

• If itch eyes and nose think hay fever.
• If you feel achy and unwell more likely a cold.
• Hay fever does tend to occur at certain times of the year – especially spring, or lawn mowing.
• With a cold often have ben in contact with someone who is sick

How do you treat them?

Hay fever :

• It is important to try and avoid irritants : keep windows closed especially on windy days, shower after being outside.
• We use anti-histamines (stops itch, sneezing), often eye drops(stops watery eyes) and nasal spray(stops nasal congestion).

Common Cold:

• Antibiotics do not help – it’s a virus.
• Stay at home - don’t spread.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and temperature.
• Nasal spray decongestants for nose
• Throat lozenges for sore throat.
• Usually, will improve over a week.

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