To distinguish between allergies and a cold, consider these key points:
- Both cause runny or stuffy nose and sneezing, but allergies usually cause itchy, watery eyes and sometimes itchy nose or throat, which colds rarely do.
- Colds often come with sore throat, cough (wet, mucus-producing), body aches, and sometimes fever; allergies usually do not.
- Allergies tend to last several weeks or as long as exposure continues, often seasonally, while colds last about 3-10 days.
- Cough with allergies is usually dry and tickly due to post-nasal drip, while cold coughs are wet.
- Allergies are not contagious, colds are.
- Notice patterns: allergies flare up at certain times or around specific triggers; colds can happen anytime and resolve more quickly.
A quick checklist:
Symptom| Cold| Allergy
---|---|---
Fever| Sometimes (low-grade)| Never
Itchy, watery eyes| Rarely| Usually
Sore throat| Usually| Rarely
Sneezing| Usually| Usually
Cough| Wet, mucus producing| Dry, tickly
Duration| About 3-10 days| Several weeks or longer
Pattern| Random| Seasonal or trigger-related
If symptoms include itchy eyes or nose, clear watery mucus, and last longer with seasonal patterns, it is likely allergies. If there is fever, body aches, sore throat, and the symptoms last about a week, it's likely a cold.
