SNEEZY QUESTION

Have you got a cold or is it hay fever? Knowing what you're up against can greatly impact how you manage symptoms, says CAMILLA FOSTER

- By LAURA MULLEY

HIGH pollen counts are expected after the recent warm weather, and it’s common to experience symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, or a scratchy throat. However, how can we tell if it’s hay fever or a cold?

Although the symptoms may seem similar, understanding the difference can help you manage your health more effectively.

We spoke with Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall, who outlined the key differences between hay fever and a cold, so you can better understand what's happening in your body and take the right steps to feel better.

What causes a cold or hay fever?

"A cold is caused by a virus, usually a rhinovirus, which spreads through coughs, sneezes, or touching contaminated surfaces," explains Dr Tang. "Whereas hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. The key difference is that colds are infectious, while hay fever is triggered by allergens in the environment."

What are the symptoms of hay fever and how do they compare with those of a cold?