Summer colds, often mistaken for hay fever due to overlapping symptoms, are a common occurrence, according to health experts. Despite the warm weather, viruses that cause colds can spread easily, particularly as social gatherings increase and people spend more time indoors with air conditioning.
While hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a summer cold is a viral infection. A key indicator that distinguishes a cold from allergies is a sore throat, which typically appears early in the course of a viral illness. Hay fever, on the other hand, often presents with a cough, but is usually accompanied by itchy eyes and an itchy throat, hallmarks not typically associated with colds.
Dr. Olympia Tsilochristou, a consultant allergist, notes that nasal discharge from hay fever is usually clear and watery, and sneezing occurs in repetitive bursts. Itching of the eyes, nose, or palate is also a strong sign of allergies. In contrast, a cold may produce thicker, discolored mucus as it progresses, along with a general feeling of malaise. A fever, even a mild one, is a significant indicator of a viral illness rather than an allergy.
A practical test suggested by Dr. Tsilochristou is to observe symptom relief after taking a non-sedating antihistamine. If symptoms improve significantly within an hour or two, hay fever is the more likely cause. Other symptoms that might point to a summer cold include fatigue, muscle aches, chills, and a loss of taste or smell.
Conversely, if sneezing symptoms worsen when outdoors, it is often a sign of hay fever. Professor Peter Openshaw, a specialist in respiratory infection, points out that summer colds will not respond to hay fever treatments. He suggests that if unsure, trying hay fever remedies is a low-risk approach; if they work, it's likely hay fever, and if not, little harm is done.
Treatment for a summer cold focuses on symptom relief and recovery. Experts recommend rest, staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to thin mucus and support the immune system, and soothing a sore throat with warm water, honey, and lemon. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain and fevers. Decongestant nasal sprays may also provide relief for a stuffy nose.
Individuals experiencing worsening symptoms are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist. It is important to remember that antibiotics are ineffective against viral colds.