Spring is in the air, and so are sniffles, sneezes, and an endless parade of tissues. But here’s the real question: Are you actually sick… or are you just allergic to life right now? With so many viruses still swirling around (yes, even in April!), it can be hard to know what’s got your immune system on high alert.
So how do you know if it’s allergies, a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? Let’s break it down Haute-style.
Photo Credit: Xavier Lorenzo/Shutterstock
Allergies vs. Viruses: Spot the Differences
While symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, and that all-too-familiar 'blah' feeling can blur the lines, there are telltale clues that can help you decode what’s really going on inside your body:
If it’s allergies, you’ll notice:
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat (viruses don’t do itchy!)
- Symptoms that last for weeks or even months
- A predictable seasonal pattern (hello, pollen season!)
- Dry symptoms (no gunky mucus or phlegm here)
If it’s a virus (like a cold, flu, or COVID), you’re more likely to have:
- Fever over 100.4°F (allergies don't spike your temp)
- Fatigue that wipes you out
- Mucus (yep, the kind you can cough up)
- Shorter duration: most viral illnesses clear up in 5–10 days
- Possible bonus symptoms: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (thanks, viruses…)
Still unsure? The only way to know for sure is to get tested, especially for the flu or COVID.
Can You Have Both at the Same Time?
Unfortunately, yes. And spoiler alert: it’s not fun. Having both allergies and a viral infection means your body is dealing with two different sources of inflammation, which can crank your symptoms into overdrive. Think: itchy and feverish? Runny nose and body aches? You may be playing a doubleheader.
How Long Will This Last?
Here’s a cheat sheet:
- Allergies – Weeks to months, depending on the season and your triggers.
- Colds, flu, or COVID-19 – Typically 5 to 10 days, though fatigue can linger longer, especially with COVID.
How to Protect Yourself in the Meantime
Prevention is the name of the game, and it’s not too late to play! Here’s how to stay ahead of the sniffle season:
- Stay up to date on vaccines: flu, COVID, RSV, and pneumonia. Yes, even in April!
- Wash your hands.
- Mask up in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Be kind: stay home if you’re sick so you don’t spread it around.
Whether you're dealing with blooming flowers or a blooming fever, the most important thing is to listen to your body, take precautions, and get tested if you're not sure. After all, your health is always in season.
To get expert advice and clarity on your symptoms, reach out to Dr. Purvi Parikh today. Her expertise as a leading allergist and immunologist can help guide you through this season’s sniffles.
For more information, visit Purvi Parikh, MD, FACP, FACAAI's social media:
