It’s springtime, and you’ve got the sniffles. You know it’s allergy season, and think that cold season is behind you. But, the truth is, either ailment could be to blame. We’ll share how to tell the difference between a cold vs. seasonal allergies.

Let’s start with the root of the problem.

Causes

While colds and allergies can look alike, they have very different causes. Viruses cause colds. Overactive immune system responses triggered by an allergen like pollen cause allergies.

Symptoms

Generally, colds and allergies share these symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy nose

Sometimes, both can make you cough or feel tired.

While a few symptoms overlap, each illness has distinguishing features. If you’ve got itchy eyes and clear, watery mucus, you’ve probably got allergies. If you’ve got a sore throat and green or yellow mucus, you’re likely dealing with a cold. And, if you have a fever or body aches, you definitely have a cold.

Also, allergy symptoms stay the same throughout your illness. Cold symptoms, on the other hand, often change as the ailment progresses. You may begin with congestion that leads to a sore throat and finishes with coughing, fever, and body aches.

Duration

You can recover from a cold in as little as three days (but it could last as long as three weeks). Unfortunately, you’ll have to endure your allergy symptoms for much longer. Generally, the effects of seasonal allergies last for many weeks.

Treatment

Treatment

Treating a cold involves lots of rest and fluids. Since it’s a viral illness, antibiotics won’t help battle the germs. But, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to alleviate pain, cough, and congestion can make life bearable until you’re well again.

Allergy treatment also involves OTC medication such as decongestants, antihistamines, and steroidal nasal sprays. For more extreme cases, your doctor may give you a prescription for stronger drugs. They may also do an allergy test to identify which substance is causing your issue.

Usually, you can manage colds and allergies at home. But, you should contact your doctor if:

  • You have a fever over 101
  • Symptoms become unbearable and don’t respond to OTC medication
  • Cold symptoms last longer than 10 days

If you have an emergency, such as difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1.

Prevent Colds

You can prevent catching a cold by following sage advice, like:

  • Avoid sick people and crowds when possible.
  • Refrain from touching anywhere on your face with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
  • Disinfect high-touch items frequently (i.e., doorknobs, appliance handles, cell phones, etc.).
  • Use an air humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist.
  • Practice good health habits like getting enough rest, eating a nutritious, balanced diet, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

If you live by the above best practices, you’ll not only avoid getting a cold. You’ll improve your overall health.

Lessen Allergies

Lessen Allergies

While you can’t avoid having allergies, you can take steps to avoid allergens, such as:

  • Stay inside when it’s breezy.
  • Keep doors and windows closed.
  • Shower right away when you get home.
  • Have someone else do outdoor chores.
  • Buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Make sure your home’s air is purified/filtered.

Fun Fact: Did you know that your doctor may be able to cure your allergies with a series of shots that gradually increases your exposure to the allergen, building a resistance to it? Ask your physician today!

Final Thoughts

At first sneeze, colds and allergies seem an awful lot alike. But, now, you should know the difference between a cold vs. seasonal allergies. If you’re struggling with either ailment, give us a call. We can prescribe the best treatment options and help you feel better fast.