A doctor’s guide to seasonal allergies and colds

Have you ever wondered if your runny nose and sneezes are from a cold or seasonal allergies? It can be tricky to tell the difference, but Dr. Lauren Rothstein, allergy specialist at Optum Medical Care, is here to help. She treats patients in Lake Success and Smithtown, NY and can help you learn what symptoms to look for.

Are colds and allergies caused by the same thing? Not at all! A cold is caused by a virus. When there is a virus in your body, your immune system reacts to their presence. As your body tries to fight it off, you develop symptoms that can make you feel sick. ¹

“When a person catches a cold, they usually have a runny and congested nose and may cough a lot. Sometimes, they might also have a mild fever,” said Dr. Rothstein. “The worst of these symptoms usually hit within a few days, but the whole thing typically clears up in about a week.” ^2,3

Seasonal allergies are your body’s response to allergens in the environment, like pollen from trees, grasses or ragweed that occur at certain times of the year. ^34,,45 While they might have similar symptoms, colds and seasonal allergies are caused by different things. Dr. Rothstein says it’s important to keep track of: ^56,67,78

• Duration: Colds usually last about a week. Allergies can last much longer, sometimes for months, especially during allergy season.
• Itching: Unlike colds, allergies can make your nose, eyes, or throat feel itchy. Dr. Rothstein notes, “If you notice a lot of itching or irritation, especially along with sneezing fits, it’s a good sign that you are dealing with allergies rather than a cold.”
• Fever: Colds can sometimes cause a fever, but allergies do not.
• How symptoms start: Cold symptoms come on slowly over a few days. Allergy symptoms can start right away and last as long as you are around the thing you are allergic to.

Knowing the difference between a cold and allergies can help you get the right treatment and feel better faster.

“For seasonal allergies, common medications include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.¹ An allergist or ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor may also have other treatment options available, like allergen immunotherapy,” advised Dr. Rothstein.

Allergen immunotherapy works by exposing patients to a small amount of an allergen over time. This makes it possible to lessen allergy symptoms, and in some cases, completely desensitize a person to their original allergy.^2,3 The allergen can be administered by your physician in two ways, depending on the allergen you are allergic to⁴ :

• Subcutaneous injection: beneath the skin
• Sublingual: under the tongue

If you’re not sure whether you have a cold or allergies, or if your symptoms are not getting better or are severe, it’s a good idea to ask your primary care provider if an allergy or ENT specialist could help you with your symptoms. Dr. Lauren Rothstein and the allergy team at Optum in the New York and New Jersey region are here to help you breathe easier and live a healthier life.

 About Provider Lauren Rothstein, MD:

Lauren Rothstein, MD, has experience working with adults and children and treating conditions including seasonal allergies, and allergies to pets, medications, food and venom. She also treats asthma and allergic skin diseases.

She is skilled in performing procedures and interpreting diagnostic testing for allergies. In her free time, Dr. Rothstein enjoys spending time with her family, including her two young boys. Dr. Rothstein strives to provide evidence-based, thoughtful, personalized care that best serves the needs of her patients.

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine. Immune response. Last revised March 31, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2024
2. Mayo Clinic. Common cold. Last revised May 24, 2023. Accessed April 1, 2024.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Cold. Last revised October 15, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2024.
4. American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology.  Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis — How to Tell the Difference. Last revised December 11, 2023. Accessed April 1, 2024.
5. Cleveland Clinic. Allergies. Last revised April 1, 2025. Accessed April 1, 2024.
6. Mayo Clinic. Allergy medications: Know your options. Last revised March 28, 2025. Accessed April 1, 2024.
7. American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology. Immunotherapy can Provide Lasting Relief. Last revised December 27, 2023. Accessed April 1, 2024.
8. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Immunotherapy.  Accessed April 1, 2024.