Hay fever vs the common cold

Niamh McMillan, Superdrug's Pharmacy Superintendent, explains the differences between hay fever and the common cold. Length of symptoms. Hay fever symptoms often last longer than the common cold. "Unfortunately for hay fever sufferers, symptoms can last weeks or even months. Colds typically run their course between 7-10 days." Mucus colour and texture. Both hay fever and a cold usually come with a stuffy or runny nose, but you can tell the difference by looking at the mucus. "Hay fever sufferers will typically have mucus that is clear and watery…”