A few sneezes here and there might not seem like a big deal. But when you start sneezing repeatedly, develop a runny nose, or wake up congested, you may wonder whether you are dealing with seasonal allergies or the flu. Both can cause nasal symptoms, but sneezing is much more closely associated with allergies. The flu tends to cause a broader combination of symptoms, including fever, body aches, fatigue, and cough. So, how can you tell what is making you sneeze? Looking at your other symptoms, when they started, and what seems to trigger them can provide some helpful clues. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between allergies and the flu and discuss when it might be time to seek medical attention.
For a same-day evaluation and treatment plan, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to provide relief for your symptoms. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below.
Is Sneezing a Sign of Seasonal Allergies?
Yes, sneezing is one of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies. When your immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen, it can trigger inflammation and irritation in your nasal passages. Your body responds by trying to clear those irritants, which can lead to repeated sneezing. Allergy-related sneezing is often accompanied by:
- Runny nose
- Clear, watery nasal drainage
- Stuffy, itchy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy, irritated throat
- Post-nasal drip
You may notice that your symptoms become worse after spending time outside, during periods of high pollen, or around other known allergy triggers.
Can the Flu Also Cause Sneezing?
The flu can cause nasal symptoms, including a runny or stuffy nose, and some people with influenza may sneeze. However, sneezing is not usually one of the main symptoms of the flu. Instead, influenza tends to cause symptoms that affect your whole body. Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Body aches
- Significant fatigue
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Loss of appetite
If sneezing is your main symptom and you otherwise feel well, allergies may be more likely. If sneezing is accompanied by sudden fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue, a viral infection like the flu may be more likely.
5 Clues That Your Sneezing May Be Allergy-Related
- Your Eyes are Itchy and Watery: Itchy, watery eyes are a strong clue that allergies may be responsible. The flu can cause watery eyes in some people, but significant eye itching is much more typical of allergies.
- Your Nasal Drainage is Clear: Allergies commonly cause a clear, watery runny nose. You may also find yourself reaching for tissues repeatedly throughout the day.
- You’re Sneezing in Bursts: Allergies can cause frequent sneezing fits, sometimes with several sneezes in a row. This may happen repeatedly throughout the day when you are exposed to an allergen.
- Symptoms Flare Around Certain Triggers: Pay attention to when your sneezing starts or gets worse. If symptoms consistently appear after spending time outside, gardening, mowing the lawn, or being around high pollen levels, allergies may be contributing.
- You Do Not Have a Fever or Body Aches: Seasonal allergies do not cause a fever or significant body aches associated with influenza.
Clues That You May Have the Flu
The flu tends to cause a more sudden and widespread illness. You may be dealing with influenza if your sneezing occurs along with:
- Fever or chills
- Sudden fatigue or weakness
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Cough or sore throat
Flu symptoms can develop relatively quickly. You may feel fine one day and then suddenly feel much more sick the next. Not everyone with the flu develops a fever, so the absence of a fever does not completely rule it out.
A common cold can also cause sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose, making it another possibility. Cold symptoms typically improve within several days to a couple of weeks, and commonly cause sneezing, sore throat, cough, and general fatigue.
When Should I Visit Urgent Care?
Sneezing by itself usually does not require urgent medical attention. However, consider visiting urgent care if your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. An urgent care visit may be appropriate if you have:
- A persistent or high fever
- Significant body aches or fatigue
- A worsening cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe sinus pressure or facial pain
- Significant ear pain
- Symptoms that are interfering with sleep or daily activities
- Symptoms that improve and then suddenly become worse
- Flu-like symptoms after a known exposure
A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether allergies, influenza, a cold, or another respiratory illness may be responsible.
Get a Walk-In Evaluation & Treatment Plan 7 Days a Week at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
So, are you sneezing because of seasonal allergies, or is it because of the flu? If sneezing, itchy eyes, clear nasal drainage, and symptoms that flare around pollen are your main complaints, seasonal allergies may be responsible. If your sneezing occurs alongside sudden fever, chills, body aches, significant fatigue, headache, and a cough, a viral illness like the flu may be more likely. Because allergies, the fly, and other respiratory infections can share some symptoms, it is not always possible to tell the difference based on sneezing alone. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our team can help determine what may be causing them and whether testing or treatment is appropriate. If you have any additional questions about the services our team provides, please contact us directly at (303) 733-4000.