Cold or Allergy Symptoms?
Is it a Cold or an Allergy?
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell. There is no good way to tell the difference between allergy symptoms of runny nose, coughing, and sneezing and cold symptoms. However, there are some distinctions. Allergy symptoms may last longer than cold symptoms. Anyone who has a respiratory illness that lasts longer than a week should consult a health care provider.
Use this handy chart to help differentiate a cold from allergies.
| 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 | Common |
| Runny Nose | Common | Common |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
| Fever | Rare | Never |
| Duration | 3 to 14 Days | Weeks (for example, 6 weeks for ragweed or pollen seasons |
| Treatment | Antihistamines/Decongestants
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatrory medicines |
Antihistamines/Nasal Steroids
Decongestants |
| Prevention |
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| Complications |
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