Although summer colds and allergies may not seem serious, both can progress and lead to other health problems, such as a sinus infection.

Grass pollens and mold spores are the most common allergy triggers during the summer, and mold can be more of a problem than pollen.

Mold spores are everywhere and commonly outnumber pollen grains in the air even during peak pollen season, research has shown. It’s easy to mistake allergies for a summer cold.
The ACAAI offers some tips on how to determine if you have a summer cold or allergies:

  • If symptoms last for two weeks or more, you likely have allergies.
  • If your symptoms become progressively worse, you likely have a cold.
  • Itchy eyes, throat and nose — along with sneezing — usually indicate allergies.
  • If you have asthma, you may be more likely to have an allergy than a cold. About 75 percent to 80 percent of people with asthma also have an allergy.

If you have persistent symptoms, see an allergist for testing, diagnosis and treatment, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology advised.