10 Reasons Why Your Cold May Not Go Away

5. It may be allergies

With the outdoor air being so polluted these days, it’s no wonder why allergies are currently on the rise. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause sneezing, a runny, stuffy nose, itching of the nose and eyes, and watery, red, or swollen eyes.

So yes, allergies can mimic a viral illness. Depending on the season, allergy symptoms can last much longer than common cold symptoms; one thing that differentiates them is that allergies often come with itchy, watery eyes. Tree pollen levels can be quite high in the winter, so allergic symptoms can occur at the same time as the cold season.