Cold and allergy season collide: which do you have?

Experts told the Globe they are seeing more allergies right now than respiratory infections, with levels of flu, COVID, and RSV all at low or very low levels as of late March, according to the state’s respiratory illness dashboard.

But people are still coming down with COVID, and symptoms for allergies and respiratory infections often overlap. Physicians say they often see patients who misinterpret their symptoms.

“Whether it’s flu, cold, or allergy, the symptoms are all a manifestation of the immune system fighting off an invader,” said Dr. Shira Doron, chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine.

The biggest indicators of allergies include sneezing and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. In children, people might see a horizontal crease across the nose, which indicates that the child rubbed their palm against their nose to relieve the itch, Doron said.

A fever, severe sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches are more commonly associated with respiratory infections.

Dr. Aleena Banerji, a professor at Harvard Medical School and a physician in Mass General Brigham’s allergy and clinical immunology group, noted that different mucus colors can also classify what someone is dealing with. Seasonal allergies are likely to give you clear mucus, whereas mucus produced by someone with a respiratory infection tends to be more green.

While allergy symptoms are more gradual and consistent, often lasting throughout the season, symptoms of a respiratory infection can appear more abruptly. Doron said the flu can “come on like you’ve been hit by a truck.”

Many adults say they don’t have allergies, but you can develop seasonal allergies later in life, said Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease doctor and the associate epidemiologist for Boston Medical Center.

“It can take some getting used to if you’ve never experienced those symptoms before,” Pierre said.

Hayes, from Hawaii, didn’t know she had seasonal allergies until her first spring at Boston University. She experienced watery eyes and itchy skin from the high pollen levels.

“I remember literally seeing pollen on my windowsill,” Hayes said. “I was like, ‘I cannot do this.’ It was terrible.”

For commuters worried about getting sick on the T, physicians said the best thing to do is avoid touching your face after being in contact with poles, handrails, or other parts of the train.

“That’s how the viruses or infections can enter, through your nose, through your mouth,” Banerji said. She added that if the T isn’t too crowded, commuters can stay away from heavily concentrated areas to avoid close contact with people who may be sick.

After using public transit, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before touching any part of your face. You can also return to the pandemic days and mask up for your ride.

Doron recommends mask wearing for those who are immunocompromised, “for whom a common cold would really be devastating.” She said the N95 mask is the most effective mask, since it wraps around the head, but it can be the least comfortable for longer stretches of time.

Doron said if commuters choose to mask up, they may opt for a standard surgical mask, which staff at her hospital have successfully worn when treating patients with cold or flu.

“Mask wearing is not common these days, and that’s OK,” Doron said. “Even if you wear a mask on the T when you’re in close proximity with strangers, you’re not likely going to be wearing it at home, and most people pick up the cold from their family members.”

Banerji said it may not be realistic for someone experiencing mild symptoms to refrain from taking public transit, but she suggested testing for respiratory infections if symptoms worsen or allergy medication doesn’t appear to work.

At-home flu and COVID-19 tests are available for purchase at pharmacies and online, or patients can see an allergist for extensive environmental skin testing if they experience allergy symptoms but are unsure of the trigger. Unfortunately, no tests are available for the common cold.

Lauren Albano can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @LaurenAlbano_.