Welcome back to Just Curious, Strong Women’s weekly series exploring all the random health and fitness questions you’ve always wondered about but never got the answers to.

This week, we’re looking into the similarities and differences between hay fever and the common cold, and how to tell which one you’re dealing with.

There’s something particularly cruel about a summer cold. When it’s wet and wintry outside, the idea of curling up inside feeling sorry for yourself for a couple of days isn’t too much of an ask. But during the summer months, when we want to be outside seeing friends and enjoying the weather, being struck down with a cold is a real pain in the backside.

Identifying a summer cold can also be a tricky business because, as many of us are painfully aware, this time of year also happens to be hay fever season. Having a snotty nose, watery eyes and a sore throat isn’t uncommon during the summer months due to the high amounts of pollen floating around. And the issue is widespread; according to a study from Allergy UK, around 49% of Brits suffer from hay fever symptoms in some form. 

So, how can you tell the difference between hay fever and a cold? Rest is important when you’re dealing with the latter, so it’s important to know which issue you’re facing so you can handle it in the right way. To find out exactly how to do that, we spoke to the experts. 

We know hay fever and colds are triggered by different things – but are there any key differences between the two that make identifying them easier?

According to Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, the main difference between hay fever and colds is how long your symptoms last. “Usually, cold symptoms last for around a week whereas hay fever symptoms can last longer,” he says.

While hay fever and colds share a lot of symptoms, there are elements unique to each condition. For example, symptoms like a sore throat, cough or high temperature are unlikely to be caused by hay fever (although post-nasal drip can cause irritation on the back of the throat), so these are usually signs of a cold. 

Hay fever can also cause itching in the eyes, nasal passages and back of the throat – all of which you wouldn’t get with the common cold alone. 

“The colour of the mucous these conditions produce also varies,” adds Unnati Desai, national GP lead at Nuffield Health. “Hay fever mucous is clear, while cold mucous may be off-white or yellow.” 

With this in mind, there are several key ways to differentiate between hay fever and a cold. Using the checklists below is a good place to start if you’re unsure.

• Do your symptoms get worse when you go outside?
• Is your temperature normal?
• Are you experiencing itchiness in your throat, eyes and nasal passages?
• Have your symptoms lasted for longer than a week?
• Is your mucous clear?

If you answered yes to all the above, it’s likely that you’re dealing with hay fever. However, if most of your answers were no, it’s likely a cold. If you’re concerned about your symptoms or they seem to be getting worse, then speak to your GP. 

Yes, you can – and it feels rubbish. If you think you have both hay fever and a cold, make sure to give yourself lots of TLC and use some tried-and-tested techniques for treating both. 

For example, if you’re struggling with hay fever, try taking a shower when you come in from outside (to remove any remaining pollen), take antihistamines or nasal sprays or use an air filter indoors. 

For a cold, you can rest up, drink lots of fluids (preferably water) and eat as much healthy food as possible to give your immune system a helping hand.

For more guidance, take a visit to your local pharmacy.

Images: Getty