Is it summer allergies or just a cold? How to tell and when to get care.
You’re sneezing, your nose won’t stop running and your head feels stuffed with cotton. It’s summer, shouldn’t cold season be over?
Not necessarily. Between rising pollen levels, indoor air conditioning and crowded travel spots, summer can be a prime time for both allergy flare-ups and catching a cold. The tricky part is that they can feel almost identical when you're in the middle of it.
So how do you know what’s actually going on? And more importantly, how should you treat it?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences between summer allergies and a cold, the signs to look for and when it’s time to stop guessing and head to your local CityMD for fast, expert care.
Why you might feel sick in the summer (and it’s not always a cold).
Most people expect sniffles and sore throats in the winter, but summer can bring its own share of symptoms and they’re not always from a cold.
That’s why understanding the difference between a cold and allergies in summer can help you take the right steps to feel better sooner.
One of the most common culprits? Seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies.
When trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air, your immune system can overreact, causing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion.
You might also react to indoor triggers like dust mites, mold, or pet dander, especially if you're spending more time in air-conditioned spaces where allergens recirculate.
Summer colds.
At the same time, summer colds are still a thing. They’re caused by viruses, just like colds in the winter and can spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces. Being in close quarters (on planes, at summer camps, or in crowded events) makes it easier to catch one.
This results in a lot of overlap in symptoms like runny noses, congestion and fatigue. That’s why it’s helpful to know what sets each one apart.
Cold vs allergies in summer: how to spot the difference.
Cold vs allergy symptoms can look (and feel) a lot alike, especially at first. But there are a few key differences that can help you figure out what’s behind your symptoms.
Here’s what typically points to allergies:
- Your symptoms stick around for more than a week or two without changing much.
- You’re not running a fever. Allergies don’t cause a temperature, but viral infections can.
- Your eyes are itchy or watery. That’s a classic allergy symptom, not a cold one.
- You’re sneezing a lot, especially in certain environments. If your symptoms get worse around pollen, pets, or when you’re outside, allergies are likely.
- It happens every year. If your “cold” always shows up during certain seasons, that’s another big clue.
Colds, on the other hand, usually come on more suddenly, last around 7-10 days and may bring on symptoms, like body aches, chills, or a low-grade fever, none of which are typical for allergies.
If you're still not sure whether you're dealing with a cold or allergies, it's a good idea to track your symptoms and look at timing and triggers. That often reveals the difference.
Does clear snot mean allergies?
Usually, yes. If your nose is running but the mucus stays clear, there’s a good chance it’s allergies, not a cold. This is especially true if it’s been that way consistently. Clear, watery snot is one of the most common signs of seasonal allergies because it’s your body’s way of flushing out allergens like pollen or dust.
Colds, on the other hand, often start with clear mucus but tend to become thicker and yellow or green as your immune system fights off the virus.
If your symptoms stick around for weeks or get worse in certain environments, allergies are the likely cause. But if they change quickly or come with a fever or body aches, it may be a cold.
Still not sure after tracking your symptoms? That’s where CityMD can help.
When to see a CityMD provider for summer cold or allergy relief.
Whether you’re battling nonstop sneezing or a lingering cough that won’t quit, you don’t have to tough it out on your own.
At CityMD, our providers are here to help you figure out what’s going on and get you the right relief fast.
Here’s when it’s a good idea to stop by your neighborhood CityMD:
- Your symptoms aren’t improving after a week
- You’re not sure if it’s a cold, allergies, or something else entirely
- You have a fever, sinus pain, or chest congestion that feels worse than usual
- Over-the-counter allergy meds aren’t cutting it
- You have asthma or another condition that makes breathing issues more serious
We’ll help you get a clear answer, whether it’s a viral cold, seasonal allergies, or even a sinus infection, so you won’t have to guess if it’s a cold or allergies.
Plus, we’ll make sure you leave with a treatment plan that works for your summer schedule.
Just walk into your local CityMD, no appointment needed.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.