Allergies

Allergies or something more? Your guide to spring symptoms

Congestion, sneezing, runny nose — these overlapping symptoms make it tough to tell allergies from a cold. Discover Dr. Hockenberry's advice on navigating spring symptoms, and then use our spring symptom checklist to understand what you're experiencing and get expert guidance on when to seek care.

Check your symptoms

A woman sneezing into a tissue surrounded by yellow flowers

Ask Dr. Hockenberry

Advice on spring symptoms

After 11 years in urgent care, I've learned that patients usually know when something's “off,” but they're not always sure if it's urgent. Here's what you need to consider:

Your fever is 101–102°F with intense body aches
This could be influenza or COVID. Antivirals work best when started in the first 48 hours.
You can barely swallow
Severe throat swelling could be strep throat or another bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
You've been sick for 10 days without any improvement
Most colds peak around day 5–7 and then improve. If you're stuck at day 10, something else might be going on.
You feel better, then suddenly get worse
This is the hallmark of a secondary bacterial infection (sinus infection, ear infection, or pneumonia).
You're experiencing shortness of breath or wheezing
Even without asthma, respiratory symptoms that make normal activities difficult need evaluation.

Your cold is following the typical timeline: sore throat → congestion → lingering cough.
You're gradually improving day by day.
You have classic allergy symptoms (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing) that stay consistent.
Your mucus is colored, but you're otherwise getting better (this is normal during colds!).

Cancel what I can and prioritize rest
Hydrate constantly to thin out mucus
Use over-the-counter pain medication (it's especially helpful for sore throats)
Skip the gym until I'm truly better
Stay cool — warmer rooms make coughs worse

The bottom line? If you're on day 10 without improvement, you've gotten better and then worse, or you're experiencing breathing issues — book a visit. Otherwise, rest, hydrate, and give your body time to heal.

"Green mucus means I need antibiotics"
Not necessarily. Your mucus naturally turns yellow-green during the worst of a cold. Only worry if it appears AFTER you've already improved and is paired with facial pain.
"I need to push through and exercise. Sweat it out"
Actually, rest is what your body needs. Exercise robs your immune system of energy it needs to heal.
"I only get allergies in spring"
Allergies can strike year-round and develop at any age. Pet dander, mold, and environmental factors cause problems all year.

Allergies or a cold? Start here

For more symptom clarity, use the checklist below to determine if you may be experiencing spring allergies or something that requires a check-in with a provider.

Allergies:
Intense itching in your eyes, nose, and throat

Colds:
Minimal to no itching

Allergies:
No fever

Colds:
May cause low-grade fever as your immune system responds

Allergies:
Symptoms stay in your head (eyes, nose, and throat)

Colds:
Often bring muscle aches and that run-down feeling

Allergies:
Continue as long as you're exposed to triggers (weeks or months)

Colds:
Typically improve within 7–10 days

Allergies:
Symptoms flare up outdoors or in specific environments

Colds:
Make you feel sick regardless of location, and others around you may be sick too

Your spring symptoms checklist

Make note of the symptoms you're experiencing right now:

Sneezing or runny nose
Itchy eyes nose, or throat
Watery eyes
Congestion or stuffy nose
Fatigue or feeling run down
Cough
Sore throat
Fever or body aches
Symptoms last longer than 10 days
Symptoms worse outdoors or in certain locations

What your symptoms could mean

Mostly itchiness and outdoor symptoms?

Symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose, or throat and environmental reactions indicate that you're likely experiencing spring allergies. These symptoms are usually manageable from home.

Fever, aches, or sore throat?

When symptoms start to impact your day, it's a sign that there may be something more going on. If you're experiencing a sore throat, fever, or fatigue, you may have a cold or other type of viral infection.

Symptoms lasting weeks?

If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, without improvement, or if they improved but then worsened again, it's time to take action. Consider scheduling a visit with a provider to get to the root of your symptoms.

Not sure? A quick virtual visit* can give you clarity.

*For those with access to virtual care visits in their Included Health support

Book a visit

woman in telemedicine call on smartphone

Why book a virtual visit?

Get expert answers without the guesswork. Book a visit right from the Included Health app* for:

Quick symptom check
Get a professional evaluation without leaving home.

The right treatment
Receive the right prescriptions for allergies, colds, or other conditions sent right to your pharmacy.

Peace of mind
Know what you're dealing with and how to feel better, faster. No doom scrolling!

*For those with access to virtual care visits in their Included Health support

Book a visit

Common questions about spring symptoms

You can book an urgent care visit, a primary care visit, or speak with a nurse right in the app, here.

Yes. If medically appropriate, prescriptions are sent directly to your preferred pharmacy.

If your cold symptoms have not clearly improved after 7–10 days, you should book a visit. It could be a sinus infection or another condition requiring treatment.

Absolutely. Our providers can diagnose and treat seasonal allergies, common colds, sinus infections, and more.

Still have questions? Get care