Spring brings warmer days, longer evenings and, for many South Africans, an unwelcome side effect: sneezing, itchy eyes and a nose that suddenly seems to have a mind of its own. It can be difficult to know whether you are dealing with seasonal allergies or simply coming down with a cold.
The symptoms can look remarkably similar. But knowing the difference can help you understand what your body may be telling you, and when it is time to speak to a healthcare professional.
“People often assume that every runny nose or bout of sneezing means they are getting sick,” says Luvuyo Maloka of online health platform, Unu Health. “But if you notice that these symptoms appear around the same time every year, or become worse when you are outdoors, allergies could be the reason.”
According to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects an estimated 20–30% of the population. In South Africa, tree pollen levels frequently peak between August and October, while grass pollen can be present from September through to March.
So, is it a cold or an allergy? There is no single symptom that provides a definite answer, but there are a few clues.
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Spotting the difference: Itching vs feeling unwell
Allergies tend to come with itching. If your eyes are red, watery and itchy, your nose is itchy, and you are repeatedly sneezing, allergies become more likely. Allergy symptoms can also appear quite quickly after exposure to a trigger such as pollen.
A cold is more likely to make you feel generally unwell. You may experience a sore throat, tiredness, body aches or a fever alongside your blocked or runny nose. These symptoms are less typical of seasonal allergies.
Another clue is how long the symptoms last. A cold generally settles within days, whereas allergies can continue for weeks or return repeatedly while you are exposed to the trigger. And it isn’t always just pollen. Spring can bring increased exposure to grass, trees and weeds, while mould, dust mites and pets can also trigger allergic symptoms.
When to skip self-diagnosis and see a doctor
Most sneezing and itchy eyes do not require an urgent medical visit. But it is worth speaking to a healthcare professional if symptoms are persistent, repeatedly returning, affecting your sleep or daily life, or you are unsure whether allergies are actually responsible.
“Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is not try to diagnose yourself,” says Maloka. “If something doesn’t feel right, or your symptoms are not settling, getting professional advice can give you clarity.”
There are also symptoms that should not simply be put down to hay fever. Difficulty breathing, significant wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, dizziness or collapse, or a rapidly developing severe allergic reaction require urgent medical attention.
This spring, pay a little more attention to your symptoms. That runny nose may be nothing more than an inconvenient reminder that spring has arrived, or it could be your body’s response to the changing season.
Either way, understanding the difference between an allergy and an illness is a useful first step towards knowing what to do next.
