Spring is at the door! However, the sneezing fits and runny noses that come with March can sometimes be confusing. Before reaching for medicine, you need to know if you are dealing with seasonal allergies or a virus-induced common cold.
| Symptom | Spring Allergy | Common Cold (Flu or Cold) |
| Fever | It never occurs. | It frequently occurs. |
| Itching | Intense itching in the eyes, nose, and throat. | It is rare; a sore throat is more dominant. |
| Sneezing | One after another, sometimes dozens of times. | It occurs less frequently. |
| Duration | It lasts for weeks as long as the trigger (pollen and other factors) is present. | It usually heals in seven to ten days. |
| Runny Nose | Clear and watery. | Usually yellow or greenish, with a thick consistency. |
| Body Ache | It is not observed. | Muscle and joint pains are common. |
Which One Knocked on Your Door?
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If your symptoms increase on windy days with high pollen or when you go outside; if your nose is watery and your eyes are red; if you have no fever but feel dazed, you are likely facing Spring Allergy (Hay Fever).
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If your symptoms started suddenly accompanied by a mild fever; if you feel pain when swallowing; if it eases within a few days of rest, this is a Common Cold, and your body is fighting a virus.
