Hayfever is caused by an allergy which triggers an immune response and a cascade
of inflammatory symptoms. If you have an allergy, your immune system may
overreact to triggers, such as pollens, dust mites, moulds or animal dander, and
cause unpleasant symptoms.3
A common cold, on the other hand, is caused by a virus. When you get a cold, your
body responds by producing antibodies against the virus that caused it. There is
still an immune response, but it is triggered by a different factor.1
How long does a cold and hayfever last?
One of the main differences between hayfever and a cold is how long your
symptoms persist. A cold usually lasts 10 days or less, and most people recover on
their own without medical care or with over-the-counter medicines.1
On the contrary, hayfever symptoms can last as long as you’re exposed to the
trigger, or allergen. This could be the entire pollen season or throughout the year.
The symptoms of hayfever can also be disruptive to daily activities, and you may
need medications and/or avoidance strategies to help alleviate your condition.1,2
Treatment options
To treat a cold, it is recommended that you get good rest, drink plenty of water and
use over-the-counter medicines for symptoms, such as fever, headache and sore
throat.1
To treat hayfever, there are several medication options, including:1,4
-
Antihistamine tablets, syrups, intranasal sprays and eye drops
- Intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) nasal sprays
- Prescription medications
- Decongestant sprays and tablets (not recommended for long-term use)
- Natural products, such as salt water nasal sprays
- Allergen immunotherapy
Everybody responds to an allergen differently and to a different degree, so a
treatment plan that works for someone else may not work for you. It is important
to speak to your doctor or pharmacist and come up with an individualised
treatment plan if you suffer from hayfever
