With tree pollen season already underway and flu activity still high, many people are unsure whether their symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies, a sinus infection, or a viral illness like the flu.
Georgia consistently records some of the highest pollen levels in the country, with spring tree pollen counts often reaching “extremely high” levels. This year, tree pollen is already registering in the “high” range, with the season being expected to last through mid-April.
Piedmont clinicians say this early spike in pollen is driving more patients to seek care for congestion, cough, sore throat, and fatigue—symptoms that frequently overlap with other common conditions such as cold, flu, and COVID.
Overlapping Symptoms Can Create Confusion
Many people visit their doctor believing they have a sinus infection when their symptoms actually suggest allergies or a viral illness. Symptoms such as fever, eye itchiness, mucus color, and how long the symptoms last can help a provider diagnose the correct condition.
- Allergies typically cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat, and clear nasal drainage—and rarely involve fever.
- Viral illnesses, including colds and flu, often cause fever, fatigue, body aches, and congestion.
- Bacterial sinus infections are more likely to cause facial pressure, upper tooth pain, and thick yellow‑green mucus, especially if symptoms worsen after 10 days.
When to Seek Care
Piedmont physicians urge individuals to seek medical attention when symptoms include:
- Fever lasting more than 72 hours
- Facial pain or pressure that worsens
- Thick yellow or green mucus
- Symptoms persisting longer than 10 days
- Chest discomfort, severe fatigue
A provider can determine the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment—whether that means antihistamines, antiviral medication, nasal steroids, supportive care, or antibiotics when necessary.
Whether it’s allergies, sinuses, or a viral infection, Piedmont makes getting care easy. Use MyChart to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, hold your spot at a Piedmont Urgent Care, or connect with a provider through a virtual visit. Visit www.piedmont.org to log into your MyChart account and find care close to home.
