However, it seems that this ongoing cold is in fact allergies - I am now, in November, firmly back on the allergy drugs and much better for it. Who the hell gets hayfever in November? What am I allergic to? Bonfire and firework pollen? Fog?

I was diagnosed with hayfever this summer for the first time in my life (I suspect I first got it last year, but didn't realise what it was then). Apparently it's not unusual to get it late (much to my surprise). However, I also found myself unable to come off antihistamines this autumn. So it isn't just you. (I'd also like to know what's causing it.)