The problem is I have seasonal allergies so sore throats and sniffles are common for me this time of year.
I have seasonal allergies as well, but besides an occasional sore throat, which is later in the game for me, my first symptom is itchiness inside my ears and nose and sinuses. I try to pay attention to the minor differences before the nasal drainage develops into a sore throat. Itchy in my ears, nose and sinuses usually mean allergy to me. If those aren’t there when I get a sore throat, then I usually change over to the idea that my nasal congestion could be the beginning of a cold.