ALLERGY VS COLD
Colds and seasonal allergies often share the same symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell the two apart 1
However, because colds and seasonal allergies are very different diseases, learning the difference can help you find the correct relief method if you are experiencing either of their symptoms.
What is the Difference Between Allergy vs Cold?
Viruses cause common colds, whereas seasonal allergies are caused by immune responses triggered by exposure to allergens. 1
A cold usually lasts 5-7 days,
whereas seasonal allergies can last several weeks.
One method of trying to tell the two apart is to do a symptom check, as some symptoms are more likely to occur when you have a cold vs when you have an
allergy and vice versa: 1
| SYMPTOM | COLD | ALLERGY | |||||||
 |
Cough | Usually | Sometimes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
General aches and pain |
Sometimes | Never | ||||||
 |
Tiredness and weakness |
Sometimes | Sometimes | ||||||
 |
Itchy eyes | Rarely | Usually | ||||||
 |
Sneezing | Usually | Usually | ||||||
 |
Sore throat | Usually | Rarely | ||||||
 |
Runny nose | Usually | Usually | ||||||
 |
Stuffy nose | Usually | Usually | ||||||
 |
Fever | Sometimes | Never | ||||||
If you still aren’t sure whether you have an allergy or a cold, answering the following decision tree could be helpful: 2
How Can You Manage Allergies?
Good allergy management is based on your medical history, how severe your symptoms are, and the results of any allergy tests you may have had.3