Allergies or Cold?

Allergies or Cold? How to Tell the Difference

When you wake up with a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes and think, "Am I getting sick? Is it allergies?" figuring out if it’s seasonal allergies or a cold can feel like detective work.

Allergies and colds can feel similar, but they are different. Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless things like pollen. A cold is when your body fights a virus. The good news is that once you know what to look for, telling them apart becomes easier.

The Sneaky Similarities

Allergies and colds can make you feel like you need a box of tissues with you all the time. You might have symptoms like:

• Runny or stuffed nose

• Sneezing

• Tiredness

• Coughing (sometimes)

These signs can happen with both allergies and colds, which is why it can be tricky to tell them apart.

How to Tell The Difference

Getting hit with a case of allergies, or a cold is definitely no fun. And both conditions can make you feel pretty miserable and uncomfortable.

• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat? That’s usually allergies. Colds don’t make you itchy.

• Fever or body aches? That points to a cold (or even the flu), not allergies.

• Timing: Colds usually last 7–10 days. Allergies last as long as you are exposed to the trigger, like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

• Mucus color: With a cold, mucus can get thicker and yellow/green. Allergies usually mean clear, watery drip.

• Seasonal patterns: Sniffling every spring when the flowers bloom? Probably allergies.

What You Can Do

• If it’s a cold: Rest, hydrate, and let your body fight it off. Over-the-counter meds can help with congestion or sore throat.

• If it’s allergies: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, or avoiding your triggers can make a big difference. And yes—sometimes that means saying goodbye to your friend’s cat (at least for now).

The Bottom Line

Usually, you can tell if you have allergies or a cold by looking at how long it lasts, whether you have a fever, and how your symptoms appear. If you’re unsure, or if symptoms are Severe or last longer than expected, you should see a healthcare provider. They can tell you what you have and suggest the best treatment.

Remember, whether it’s allergies or a cold, be patient with your body as it heals. And keep some tissues handy just in case—you’ll likely need them.

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