DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Every year I am plagued by springtime allergies. But in the last few weeks I have been experiencing congestion, runny nose and a persistent cough. How can I determine whether this is a cold, allergies or something more? When should I seek medical care?
ANSWER: As the seasons shift, it can be harder to distinguish between the symptoms of the common cold, COVID-19, the flu and allergies, since all can have similar symptoms. This can lead to confusion as to when to seek medical care.
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the flu comes from a strain of the influenza virus. The common cold most often is caused by rhinoviruses. These viruses all spread in similar ways — by tiny particles that originate from the lips and nose when a person sneezes, coughs, sings or touches a surface. For instance, germs can get picked up from a surface —like a phone or computer keyboard — and then be transmitted into the mouth, nose or eyes.
