Is it Fall Allergies, a Cold, or the Flu?

Is it Fall Allergies, a Cold, or the Flu?

While spring allergies get a lot of attention, life can be just as difficult for those with fall allergies.

Tree pollen is the major trigger for spring allergy sufferers, grass pollen affects summer allergy patients and weed pollen causes the most difficulties for those with fall allergies. Other allergens, such as dust mite or pets, can cause allergy symptoms year-round.

Main symptoms:

  • Long lasting, usually several weeks or months
  • Itchiness (nose, ears, eyes)
  • Red, watery eyes
  • For pollen allergies, symptoms are worse outdoors

The time of day can make a big difference as symptoms are often worse in morning hours for patients allergic to pollen.

We recommend those with allergy symptoms to make an appointment. Patients often say they thought their allergies were normal – until they got better. If you’re not happy with your quality of life, find out what’s going on.

A cold or the flu can be tough for people to tell apart initially. They have similar symptoms like fatigue, sore throat and headache. If you have high risk factors for complications of flu, such as  lung disease such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), liver or kidney disease, or other chronic medical conditions then it’s a good idea to get evaluated by your doctor. Also, developing symptoms after known contact with somebody with the flu should prompt evaluation sooner.

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