Is it a cold or hayfever? 

Many people associate hayfever with the spring and summer months when grass pollen is at its highest. However, there are many other pollens that cause allergies which can be found much earlier in the season. For example, tree pollen can start as early as February and peak in March.²

In addition, many assume that hayfever is something that develops in childhood, but around one in five people develop symptoms for the first time when they're 20 years or over.³

Recognising symptoms

The symptoms of hayfever and a cold are very similar, which can often result in customers misdiagnosing themselves. By discussing customers’ symptoms, you can help identify which condition they are suffering from and support them with their product choices.⁴    

Take a look at the table below to help identify the different symptoms associated with the common cold and hayfever.

Fever	Sometimes	No
Cough	Common (mild)	Sometimes
Headache	Sometimes	Sometimes
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes itchy
Runny or blocked nose	Common	Common
Sneezing	Common	Common
Itchy, red or watery eyes	No	Common
Aches and pains	Sometimes	No
Fatigue	Sometimes	Sometimes

In addition, cold symptoms usually last no longer than two weeks⁵ whereas hayfever is seasonal, so symptoms are often triggered and may last for a while. 

It is important to accurately diagnose whether a customer is suffering from a cold or hayfever. While customers can only treat the symptoms of a cold, there is advice you can provide them to help prevent hayfever symptoms.