Sniffles? Sneezes? Stuffy head? It’s no fun feeling sick, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. And as the seasons change, the number of colds, allergies and sinus infections may begin to rise. The good news? Each one has its own little “tell.” Here's how to figure out what’s causing your symptoms and when it’s time to visit a provider.

1. Seasonal allergies

Have you ever noticed that your eyes get watery as the seasons change? Or maybe you sneeze more when the grass starts growing. Seasonal allergies happen when your immune system reacts to triggers such as tree pollen or mold spores.

Some symptoms of seasonal allergies

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing or postnasal drip (mucus draining in the throat)
• Feeling tired or worn out

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At-home treatments

Allergy symptoms often show up soon after you’re exposed to a trigger. And they can return repeatedly if you’re not taking precautions. Here’s how to take care of your seasonal allergies: 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines
• Nasal sprays
• Limit time outdoors
• Clean indoors and close windows

Not sure which one to try? Talk to your local pharmacist about your symptoms. They can help you pick the right option. 

When to talk to a provider 

If your symptoms don’t get better with regular medicine or make it hard to do your normal activities, it’s a good idea to see a provider. They can help you figure out what’s going on and might suggest allergy tests or medicine that works better over time.

2. Common colds

Colds aren’t just a winter thing. They can pop up in the springtime too. These pesky viruses spread through coughs, sneezes or touching objects, like doorknobs. So even when the weather warms up, a cold can still catch you off guard. 

Some symptoms of a common cold 

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Mild body aches
• Low-grade fever
• Feeling tired

At-home treatments

Colds usually develop over a couple of days and last about 7 to 10 days. Most people start feeling better with: 

• Lots of rest
• Staying hydrated with water and warm broth
• OTC cold medicines
• Eating foods with vitamin C, like oranges and bell peppers

If considering OTC medicine, check with your pharmacist or doctor so they can take any existing prescriptions into account when helping you pick which is right for you.

When to talk to a provider 

If your symptoms get worse over time, or if you have a fever over 101 degrees, check in with a health care provider.* If you feel too sick to travel, consider a telehealth visit (where you can get the care you need from home).

Your telehealth benefit: Get care at home or on the go

Virtual care, also called telehealth, is a fast and convenient way to get care for conditions like common colds, seasonal allergies and sinus infections. You’re covered for telehealth visits with participating providers. First call your provider’s office to see if they offer virtual care. Then schedule your telehealth appointment. Need assistance? We can help you talk to your provider. Let our customer service team make your next provider call with you. 

3. Sinus infections

Sometimes colds or allergies don’t just fade away. Instead, they can lead to sinus infections, or sinusitis. This happens when the tiny spaces inside your nose get swollen and fill up with mucus. Sinus infections can really drag you down, but knowing the signs helps you get the right care faster. 

Some symptoms of sinus infections

• Stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe
• Thick yellow or green music
• Pain or pressure around your eyes, cheeks or forehead
• Postnasal drip with a bad taste
• Headache, tooth pain or ear pressure
• Cough
• Tiredness or mild fever

At-home treatments

Sinus infections often clear up in one to two weeks. Here are some ideas to help your symptoms at home: 

• A humidifier
• Saline spray
• Warm compresses
• OTC medicines

When to talk to a provider

If symptoms aren’t improving after a week or get worse after seeming to improve, or if you have a high fever, it’s time to check in with your provider. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you notice swelling or redness around your eyes, double vision or a stiff neck. These symptoms could indicate that the infection is spreading beyond the sinuses and can be dangerous without immediate treatment.

*FOR FEVER: Mayo Clinic. Fever. December 24, 2025. Accessed February 23, 2026. 

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health | Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website. 

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