Do You Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?
Seasonal allergies and the common cold share similar symptoms; however, the symptoms stem form different causes. A common cold is your body’s defense against a virus while allergies are caused by an overactive immune system when stimulated by dust or pollen. To determine the proper treatment, you must distinguish the cause of your symptoms. Follow the chart below to tell the difference between a common cold and allergies, and use our treatment tips to alleviate your symptoms.
Symptoms | Cold | Airborne Allergy |
---|---|---|
Cough | Common | Sometimes |
General Aches, Pains | Slight | Never |
Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Itchy Eyes | Rare or Never | Common |
Sneezing | Usual | Usual |
Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
Runny Nose | Common | Common |
Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
Fever | Rare | Never |
General knowledge | Cold | Airborne Allergy |
---|---|---|
Duration | 3 to 14 Days | Weeks (for example, 6 weeks for ragweed or grass pollen seasons) |
Treatment | Antihistamines, Decongest-ants, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines | Antihistamines, Nasal Ster-oids, Decongestants |
Prevention | Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold. | Avoid things that you are allergic to such as pollen, house dust mites, mold and pet dander. |
Complications | Sinus Infection, Middle Ear Infection, Asthma | Sinus Infection, Asthma |
*Credit: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases