Mould Allergies vs Cold: How to Tell the Difference

You’ve been sneezing and congested for weeks. Is it a stubborn cold — or are you allergic to mould in your home? The distinction matters because one resolves on its own while the other won’t stop until the source is removed.

Key Differences

Duration: Colds resolve within 7-10 days. Mould allergies persist as long as you’re exposed — weeks, months, or indefinitely.

Pattern: Mould allergies worsen in specific rooms or at certain times (especially night/morning when you’ve been in the bedroom). Colds don’t have location-based patterns.

Fever: Colds may cause low-grade fever. Mould allergies don’t (unless a secondary infection develops).

Season: In Adelaide, mould allergies spike during winter (Jun-Aug) when indoor humidity rises. If your “cold” arrives every winter and lasts the whole season, it’s likely mould. More on health risks.

The Location Test

Track symptoms by location. If they worsen at home and improve at work (or vice versa), the building is the problem. Homes in Adelaide Hills and coastal suburbs often have higher ambient humidity that drives mould growth.

Air quality testing can objectively measure indoor mould spore levels and confirm whether your home exceeds safe thresholds.