Each spring, many people notice the same familiar symptoms, congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and fatigue. As pollen levels rise, it’s natural to assume these changes are simply seasonal allergies. But spring health is not always that simple.
For older adults in particular, symptoms that seem mild at first can sometimes signal a cold, flu, COVID, strep throat, or another respiratory condition. Understanding the difference between seasonal allergies vs. cold symptoms can help you decide when to monitor at home and when to seek medical care.
It’s also important to know that you don’t have to simply “live with” persistent allergy symptoms. If over-the-counter medications are not providing relief, or symptoms are interfering with sleep, breathing, or daily activity, our medical team can evaluate your allergies and offer additional treatment options. Both primary care and urgent care visits can help you gain better control of seasonal symptoms.
Why Spring Symptoms Can Be Misleading
Seasonal allergies are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. They are not contagious and often begin quickly when exposure increases.
Typical allergy symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and post-nasal drip. Some people also feel mild fatigue from ongoing irritation and poor sleep.
However, one important distinction remains: allergies do not cause fever.
If a fever develops, even a low-grade one, the conversation changes. Fever suggests infection, not allergies.
When It’s More Likely a Cold
Colds are caused by viruses and spread from person to person. Unlike allergies, cold symptoms tend to build gradually.
You may first notice a scratchy throat, followed by congestion, cough, mild body aches, or fatigue. Some people experience a low-grade fever.
Most colds improve within a week to ten days. If symptoms linger beyond that timeframe or begin worsening instead of improving, it may indicate a secondary infection such as sinusitis or bronchitis.
Spring Viruses Are Still Circulating
While pollen increases in the spring, respiratory viruses do not disappear.
Flu often starts suddenly, with fever, chills, body aches, headache, and significant fatigue. COVID may cause fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell. Strep throat usually presents with severe throat pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing, often without cough.
In the early stages, these illnesses may resemble allergies. Paying attention to new or escalating symptoms is key.
Why Older Adults Should Pay Close Attention
As we age, the body’s response to infection can become less predictable. Symptoms may appear mild at first but progress more quickly.
Older adults are at higher risk for complications from flu, COVID, and pneumonia. Even what seems like a routine cold can lead to more significant respiratory illness.
Conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes can also make spring infections more complex.
If you are over 65 or managing a chronic condition, it is especially important not to ignore:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Severe fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Confusion or weakness
Early evaluation allows treatment to begin sooner and may prevent hospitalization.
Beyond Allergies: Other Symptoms That Deserve Attention
Not every spring symptom is respiratory.
Shortness of breath that feels new or unusual could relate to heart or lung conditions. Chest pressure should never be attributed to allergies. Ongoing fatigue may indicate infection, anemia, or other medical concerns.
If symptoms feel different from your typical seasonal pattern, trust that instinct.
Spring Health FAQ
- How can I quickly tell if it’s allergies or a cold? Allergies cause itching, sneezing, and watery eyes without fever. Colds are more likely to include sore throat, body aches, and sometimes fever.
- Do allergies ever cause body aches? No. Body aches are more consistent with viral infection.
- How long should I wait before seeing a provider? If symptoms last longer than 10 days, worsen over time, or include fever or breathing changes, you should seek medical care.
- Can Samaritan treat seasonal allergies if medications aren’t helping?
Yes. If allergy symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatment, our providers can evaluate your condition and recommend additional therapies to improve symptom control and overall comfort. - Are respiratory infections more dangerous for older adults? Yes. Older adults have a higher risk of complications, including pneumonia. Prompt assessment can reduce that risk.
Supporting Your Health This Spring
Spring should feel energizing, not uncertain. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are seasonal allergies or something more, our Samaritan medical team is here to help. Through primary care and urgent care services, we provide evaluation for respiratory symptoms, infections, and allergy-related concerns. When symptoms are persistent, worsening, or simply not typical for you, seeking care early can provide clarity and reassurance. Your health deserves attention in every season.