See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy GRACE BANNISTER FOR YOU MAGAZINE Updated: 22:38 BST, 14 July 2026
Hay fever is rife right now, with the Met Office forecasting a ‘pollen bomb’ during the upcoming summer heatwave. However, it turns out the reason your colleagues are shouting 'Bless you' from across the office might not necessarily be due this summer's particularly high pollen count.With similar symptoms, it can be easy to put sneezing at this time of year down to hay fever, but while it seems entirely illogical, particularly given this summer’s heat, experts say you have might in fact be suffering from a summer cold.Here's what experts have to say on why you get ill over the summer, and how to spot the difference between hay fever and a summer cold.Can you catch a cold in the summer?It’s a popular myth that colds are an exclusively winter phenomenon, but don't be fooled by the name, there are lots of reasons why summer is a breeding ground for viral infection. They’re usually the same as winter colds, with the only major difference being the time of year you get ill.From BBQs and social gatherings to indoor AC, summer brings about a lot of opportunity for a cold to spread. As explained by Jessica Bailey at the University of Utah Health, ‘Cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick – viruses do.’ A fever is a major symptom that suggests a summer cold rather than hay fever.How to spot the difference between a summer cold and hay feverUnlike hay fever, which is a seasonal allergy to pollen, a summer cold comes under the umbrella of a viral infection.The major sign that what you’ve got is a cold rather than hay fever is a sore throat, which will likely be one of the first symptoms. While hay fever can bring with it a cough, unless accompanied by itchy eyes and an itchy throat what you’re looking at is probably a viral infection rather than a seasonal allergy.According to Dr. Olympia Tsilochristou, Consultant Allergist at London Bridge Hospital & Guy's Hospital, 'With hay fever, nasal discharge is typically clear and watery, sneezing occurs in repetitive bursts, and itching of the eyes, nose, or palate is a hallmark that colds do not cause. 'A cold is more likely to produce thicker, discoloured mucus as it progresses, along with a sore throat in the early stages and a general sense of feeling unwell. A temperature, even a mild one, points firmly toward a viral illness rather than an allergy.'She also added, 'As a practical test, if symptoms settle meaningfully within an hour or two of taking a non-sedating antihistamine, hay fever is the far more likely culprit.'Other summer cold symptoms to look out for include feeling tired or run down, achy muscles, a fever or chills and a loss of taste and smell.It might also be worth considering whether your symptoms worsen when going outside. That’s usually a sure-fire sign that the reason you're sneezing is hay fever, not a cold.Another expert, Professor Peter Openshaw, who specialises in respiratory infection at Imperial College London, says its important to know that a summer cold won't respond to hay fever treatments. But if you're unsure, he says 'Many people just take hay fever remedies, if it works it's hay fever, if not, little harm done.' If your sneezing worsens outdoors, you're probably looking at hay fever.How to treat a summer cold?Treating a summer cold is to any other kind of viral infection. Here are some tips to ease symptoms and recover quickly.Rest up. Try to have a chill, though that’s easier said than done in this heat.Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to ease symptoms by thinning mucus and preventing dehydration as well as supporting your immune system.Soothe your throat by drinking warm water with honey and lemon.Manage pain and fevers by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.Use decongestant nasal sprays, they can help with breathing and a stuffy nose.If symptoms worsen make sure to check in with a doctor or pharmacist. Just remember that antibiotics don’t work against viral colds.
