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How to tell the difference between allergies vs a cold
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- As fall arrives in the U.S., many people face seasonal allergies, colds, or the flu, which share overlapping respiratory symptoms but have different causes and treatments.
- Fall allergies are triggered by airborne pollen or mold and cause symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and mild cough, whereas colds and flu are viral infections spread through respiratory droplets.
- Distinguishing allergies from colds involves noting symptoms such as fever and body aches, which are common in viral infections but not allergies; allergies primarily cause immune reactions to harmless substances.
- Treatment for allergies includes limiting outdoor exposure and using antihistamines or nasal sprays, while colds and flu require rest, fluids, and symptom-specific medications like decongestants or fever reducers.
- Severe symptoms or those lasting more than 10 days warrant medical consultation to rule out complications or more serious illnesses like the flu.
