# UK Pharmacist Offers Tips to Tell Allergies From Spring Colds  
**Published:** 2026-04-29T13:51:50.000Z  
**Source:** [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/not-all-sniffles-are-allergies-how-know-difference)  
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**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/uk-pharmacist-offers-tips-to-tell-allergies-from-spring-colds

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Spring in Kentucky brings warmer weather and budding flowers, but also respiratory symptoms that often leave residents wondering: Is it allergies or a cold?

[According to UK HealthCare experts](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/not-all-sniffles-are-allergies-how-know-difference), knowing the difference can help determine the right treatment and bring relief faster.

"Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system reacts to allergens such as tree pollen, grass, mold or other environmental triggers," explained Dylan Spencer, Pharm.D., pharmacist manager at the [UK HealthCare Pharmacist Care Clinic](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/locations/uk-pharmacist-care-clinic). "In the spring, pollen is one of the most common culprits."

Allergy symptoms typically develop quickly after outdoor exposure and include frequent sneezing, clear nasal discharge, congestion, itchy throat and watery or itchy eyes. A hallmark of allergies is itchiness — particularly in the eyes, nose, ears or throat — which is far less common with colds. Allergy symptoms can persist for weeks, especially during peak pollen season, and may improve indoors or on rainy days.

Colds present differently. [The symptoms develop more gradually and can include a sore throat, cough, body aches, mild fever and fatigue](https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/allergy-season/kentucky). One telltale sign: colored mucus. Yellow or green mucus indicates the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection, not just reacting to environmental triggers. Most colds improve within seven to 10 days, and fevers are much more likely with illness than allergies.

[Kentucky's current allergy season is moderate for pollen levels](https://www.pollen.com/map/ky), though [the Ohio Valley region is expected to experience periods of exceptionally high tree pollen this spring](https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/2026-allergy-forecast-when-will-pollen-be-bad-across-the-us/1868004). Spencer recommends several over-the-counter options for managing symptoms. "Antihistamines can help reduce sneezing and itching, while nasal steroid sprays may be especially helpful for congestion when used consistently," he said. "Saline nasal rinses can also help flush pollen and irritants from the nose."

Residents should seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or don't improve with over-the-counter treatment. Medical care should be sought promptly if wheezing, shortness of breath, high fever or significant facial pain develops.

"A pharmacist can help recommend treatment options based on your symptoms, age and any other medications you take," Spencer added.

## Sources

- [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/not-all-sniffles-are-allergies-how-know-difference)
- [UK HealthCare Pharmacist Care Clinic location and contact information](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/locations/uk-pharmacist-care-clinic)
- [Wyndly Kentucky allergy season information](https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/allergy-season/kentucky)
- [Pollen.com Kentucky allergy map and forecast](https://www.pollen.com/map/ky)
- [AccuWeather 2026 U.S. allergy forecast including Ohio Valley outlook](https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/2026-allergy-forecast-when-will-pollen-be-bad-across-the-us/1868004)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/not-all-sniffles-are-allergies-how-know-difference.