It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you are suffering from seasonal allergies or if you have caught a nasty cold. Allergies are caused by your body's reaction to allergens, like pollen or pet dander. A cold, on the other hand, is triggered by a virus, which means that unlike allergies it can be shared with other people.
It's important to understand whether you have allergies or a cold so that you know whether you are contagious and can appropriately treat your symptoms. While antihistamines, allergy shots and environmental adjustments can improve allergies, severe colds can require rest, decongestant medications and pain relievers. Treat a cold like an allergy, or allergies like a cold, and your symptoms are not going to get much better. Here are some questions to ask yourself next time you're feeling under the weather:
Do I have a fever?
Allergies don't cause elevated temperatures. If you have a fever, something else is going on.
Do I have aches and pains?
According to Mayo Clinic, allergies never cause generalized discomfort. If you have muscle soreness or other aches and pains, you may have a cold or even the flu.
Do my eyes itch?
Allergies often cause itchy eyes, while colds rarely do.
How long have I felt this way?
Colds typically clear up within two weeks, while allergies can last for months.
What time of year is it?
LiveScience, an education and news site, says that colds generally occur in the colder months. While it is possible to get the cold virus in the spring, summer or fall, it's more likely to be allergies. Notice if you feel sick at about the same time every year. That's a sign you might be an allergy sufferer.
