Sneezing, congestion & a sore throat… are you confusing a summer cold for allergies? We’re here to set the record straight
On this page
- What is a summer cold?
- What are the symptoms of a summer cold?
- What are summer allergies?
- What are the symptoms of summer allergies?
- How do I know if I’ve got a summer cold or allergies?
- What about COVID-19 ?
- How do I know if I've got COVID-19 instead of a summer cold or allergies?
- Remedies for summer colds & allergies
- Frequently asked questions
Picture this: summer has arrived and you’ve made exciting plans for the months ahead. Suddenly your nose is running like a tap, your tickly cough won’t stop and the sneezes just keep coming… sounds like a cold, right? Or is it seasonal allergies?
More often than not, getting these symptoms during the summer can cause some serious confusion, so if you’re not sure if it’s a summer cold or hay fever, take note as we break down the differences between the two.
What is a summer cold?
A summer cold is simply a cold that can be caught during summertime. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t just catch colds in the winter. Both summer and winter colds are caused by the rhinovirus and are just as common as each other.
During the winter we’re more inclined to wrap ourselves in a blanket until we feel better, whereas in summer we’re eager to be outside enjoying the sunshine.
What are the symptoms of a summer cold?
The symptoms of a summer cold are just the same as the common cold we get in the winter months. Generally, symptoms include:
- A blocked or runny nose
- A sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- A higher temperature
- Feeling pressure in your ears and face
- Loss of taste and smell
What are summer allergies?
The most common type of summer allergy is allergic rhinitis, which is a very common condition caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites or mould spores which can cause inflammation inside the nose.
However, when we think of summer allergies, the one that instantly springs to mind is hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to pollen produced by trees, grasses and weeds. Hay fever season starts around March and lasts until September time, however you’re most likely to get symptoms when the pollen count is high.
Some people may also experience skin allergies such as urticaria or hives (known as nettle rash). These allergies, along with the ones mentioned above, can all be heightened during the summer months.
What are the symptoms of summer allergies?
While some summer allergies may have slightly different symptoms to one another, generally they include:
- A blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red and watery eyes
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat
- A dry, irritating cough
Some skin allergies such as hives can cause red and raised skin welts that are accompanied by itching.
How do I know if I’ve got a summer cold or allergies?
Although a handful of the symptoms align, there are some tell-tale signs that separate a summer cold and allergies.
Difference in symptoms
While common symptoms like sneezing, a blocked nose and a cough can blur the lines between the two, allergies tend to cause watery and itchy eyes, as well as skin irritation, both of which don’t occur with a cold. Likewise, the body aches and fever that come with a cold are very rare in allergies.
Allergies last longer
Do your symptoms clear up after a couple of weeks? If you notice they ease off as time goes on, chances are you’ve had a summer cold. Whereas allergy symptoms can persist as long as you’re exposed to the allergy trigger.
For example, some people may find their symptoms suddenly appear during the summertime when the pollen count is high. These symptoms can persist for weeks, even months before the pollen count lowers again.
The onset of symptoms differs
More often than not, symptoms of a summer cold will be staggered. So you might start with a blocked nose and then develop a sore throat which can change in severity, whereas allergy symptoms come on all at once.
Symptoms change when you travel
One key difference between the two is that your symptoms can change if you’re travelling. If you have a summer cold, your symptoms will stay the same regardless of where you travel, while allergies can either be alleviated or worsened by travel, as different places will have different levels of pollinating plants or potential allergens.
Nasal discharge looks different
As summer colds are caused by a virus, a tell-tale sign that there’s an infection is the colour and consistency of nasal mucus – it’s usually thick, and turns a greenish, yellow colour. However, this is not always the case. If you just have a runny nose due to a virus, for example, mucus can stay clear. Allergy mucus tends to be clearer and thinner than mucus due to a summer cold.
What about COVID-19?
Now we’ve cleared up the confusion between a summer cold and allergies, where does COVID-19 fit into this? As we know, COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. And while it may not seem like something that typically arises during the summer months, with more socialising outdoors, there is a risk of COVID-19 in the summer, so it’s best to be prepared.
Not sure what symptoms to look out for? We’ve put together a handy little guide to help break down the difference between a summer cold, allergies and COVID-19.
How do I know if I’ve got COVID-19 instead of a summer cold or allergies?
Just like with allergies and colds, common symptoms like a cough and runny nose can appear in COVID-19 as well. Likewise, headaches, a sore throat and fatigue can come with all three – sometimes aches and a fever too.
Unlike allergies and colds though, sneezing is often rare with COVID-19, as are the watery eyes and itchy throat associated with allergies.
However, there are a couple of tell-tale signs that you’re experiencing COVID-19 rather than a cold or allergies. The main two are shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell – the latter is possible with a summer cold, but less likely.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If you’re concerned about your symptoms and need medical advice, access NHS 111 , or your local equivalent, for advice.
Remedies for summer colds & allergies
It can be irritating when summer colds or allergies interfere with your plans. Our range of relief products are here to help you take back control and keep your symptoms at bay. Whether you’re suffering from the sniffles or watery eyes, take a look at our range of products available to help you feel your best again.
If you’re experiencing symptoms and are still unsure whether it’s a cold or an allergy, speak to your pharmacy team. They will be able to offer support and advice regarding your symptoms and which product is suitable for you.
For summer colds
Boots Max Strength Cold and Flu Day and Night Capsules
• Size: 12 day & 4 night tablets
• Suitable for adults & children 16 years & over
• Contains caffeine, paracetamol & phenylephrine hydrochloride
Cold and flu symptoms getting you down? Here to help you through both the day and night, these capsules help relieve symptoms, from aches and pains to sore throats, headaches, blocked noses and a fever.
Always read the label. Do not take more than one paracetamol-containing product at the same time.
Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Lemon Sachets
• Size: 10 sachets
• Suitable for adults & children 16 years & over
• Contains paracetamol & phenylephrine hydrochloride
If you’re not a fan of tablets, why not consider one of these lemon sachets instead? Each one provides relief for common cold and flu symptoms, including lowering a high temperature.
Always read the label. Do not take more than one paracetamol-containing product at the same time.
Vicks Inhaler Fast Acting Decongestant For Blocked Nose Relief Stick
• Size: 0.5ml
• Suitable for adults & children 6 years & over
• Contains menthol, camphor & Siberian pine needle oil
Feeling bunged up? Get fast relief from stuffy noses with this handy little stick, perfect for carrying around. Simply insert into the nostril and deeply inhale to make breathing feel clear and cool.
Always read the label.
For summer allergies
Boots Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 120mg Film-Coated Tablets
• Size: 30 tablets
• Suitable for adults & children 12 years & over
From hay fever to pet and dust allergies, tackle symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose with these tablets. After taking a tablet, relief starts within an hour and lasts up to 24 hours.
Always read the label.
Boots One-a-Day Hayfever & Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets
• Size: 30 tablets
• Contains loratadine
Looking for relief from both summer and year-round allergies? These one-a-day tablets help relieve common hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes, as well as dust mite and pet allergies, and itchy skin rashes.
Always read the label.
Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray
• 100 sprays
• Non-drowsy
• Suitable for adults over 18 years
• Contains beclometasone dipropionate
Getting to work right where the problem starts, this easy-to-use nasal spray provides effective relief from nasal congestion and inflammation. But it doesn’t stop there, it also helps to alleviate a runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and watery eyes, so you can go about your day.
Always read the label.
Frequently asked questions
Do antihistamines work for colds?
No, antihistamines do not treat cold symptoms. They’re most effective for relieving allergy symptoms, caused by things like hay fever, hives, skin reactions and insect bites and stings.
To help with cold and flu relief, have a read of our top tips in this article.
How long does a summer cold usually last?
Generally speaking, a summer cold usually lasts around one to two weeks, with symptoms usually improving after about five days . However, everybody is different so some people may recover quicker than others.
