How to Differentiate Allergies vs Cold Symptoms

The symptoms of seasonal allergies and colds can be very similar, often making it difficult to tell them apart. While neither illness is life-threatening, both can cause distressing symptoms and affect the overall quality of life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, like many other respiratory tract infections (flu, COVID-19), common colds are caused by viruses. On the other hand, seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens. 

Both can cause a runny nose, sneezing, possible headaches, and congestion. Luckily, there are signs that make it possible to tell the difference if your symptoms are contagious or just a sign that spring is in the air.

Cold or Allergies: Key Differences

Symptoms

Both colds and allergies can cause nasal symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and sneezing. 

But the common cold often causes additional symptoms that are uncommon with allergies, such as a cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and low-grade fever. 

Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, can cause itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose and throat, and postnasal drip, which are less likely with the common cold. People who live in high-pollen-count areas typically experience more severe hay fever symptoms. 

Still, the differences can be very minor. In addition to symptoms, there are other ways of telling the difference between cold and allergies.

Genetic Factors

Studies have found that 30% of children develop allergies if one of their parents has them. If both parents are prone to allergy symptoms, that number skyrockets to 70%. In addition to genetic predisposition, take note that most children rarely develop allergies until they are around five years old or later. Some may develop allergies as young as four. If your child is three or younger, they likely have a cold. Can You Develop Allergies As An Adult?

In contrast, common colds are viral infections and do not have a genetic association.

Seasonality

Winter is the prime season for catching a cold, whereas pollen saturates the air during the spring and summer. Take note of whether or not you develop symptoms at the same time each year. An annual occurrence at about the same time usually signifies allergies.

Learn How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies.

Type of Mucus

A stuffy nose with yellow and green mucus usually points to cold symptoms. Allergies typically produce a clear nasal drip. If a runny nose starts clear and becomes yellow-green after a few days, you may be developing a sinus infection from a cold.

Duration of Symptoms

Colds usually last less than a week. Allergy symptoms continue for several weeks during allergy season when pollen counts are high.

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Symptoms Overview: Cold or Allergies?

Symptoms of Allergies

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose

• Congestion

• Itchy nose or throat

• Red, watery, itchy eyes

Symptoms of Cold

• Sneezing

• Runny nose 

• Nasal congestion

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Headache

• Body aches

• Low-grade fever

Overlapping Symptoms of Allergies and Common Cold

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose

• Congestion

Causes and Triggers  

Allergy Triggers 

Allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to something called an allergen. Examples of common allergens include pollen, certain foods, chemicals, dust, sawdust, pet dander, and others. These substances cause the immune system to act up and produce allergy symptoms. This is why people with allergies take antihistamines because histamines are the chemicals that cause a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Common Cold Triggers  

Common colds are caused by viruses. The viruses invade your body and then rapidly multiply to start cold symptoms. The immune system attacks the viruses, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, congestion, coughing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fever. Because the immune system engages in a battle against the virus, cold symptoms are typically more severe than allergies. Another difference is that allergies don’t cause a fever. 

What Is The Difference Between The Common Cold and Allergic Rhinitis?

The main difference is that the common cold is a viral infection, while allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction (immune response) to allergens such as pollen. 

In addition to the cause being different, allergies vs cold symptoms can also vary. Colds and allergies can cause the same symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. In addition, colds can cause fever, sore throat, cough, and yellow-green mucus. Besides nasal symptoms, allergies can cause red, watery, itchy eyes and itchy nose and throat.

Another key difference is that allergy symptoms flare up during allergy season (typically spring and summer in the U.S.), whereas cold symptoms tend to occur in the fall and winter months when viral infections peak.

Cold vs Seasonal Allergies: How To Identify the Difference

How Do You Tell If You Have A Cold or Allergies?

You can tell you have a cold vs allergies based on the following:

When Is It Allergies?  

If you have sneezing and watery eyes for several weeks in the spring season every year, you likely have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Seasonal allergies tend to be worse when pollen counts are high. If you have year-round symptoms, it might be perennial allergic rhinitis (allergic reaction to something in the environment, such as pet dander or dust mites).

When Is It a Cold?  

If you have a short illness (the symptoms last less than a week), it is likely the common cold. Cold symptoms typically include sneezing, congestion, aches and pains, and low-grade fever. Colds can occur in any season but are more common in the fall and winter.

When to Talk to a Doctor 

While it can be hard to tell the difference between colds and allergies, it’s important to know which condition you have. The cause and treatment for these conditions is different. 

The term "hay fever" can be misleading because it doesn't usually cause a fever. However, it is possible to have a fever while experiencing seasonal allergies. In such cases, there may be another underlying issue, such as a cold or the flu.

If you have a cold you should stay home, rest, and avoid spreading the infection to others around you. Common colds are self-limited illnesses and you should recover at home and feel well within a week. 

Inform your doctor if you or your child has a fever of 103°F. The threshold is lower for those who are immunocompromised or over 65 years old.

If you seem to get sick around the same time each year, you should talk to your doctor about taking allergy medications. 

Management and Remedies  

What Is The Fastest Remedy For Allergies?

You can try the following over-the-counter medications for fast relief from allergy symptoms:

• Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), and fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy).

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour), and budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy). (Nasacort Vs. Flonase: Which Is Right For You?)

• Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. 

• Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

• Combination antihistamine and decongestant medications such as fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D 12 Hour Allergy and Congestion) cetirizine-pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D 12 Hour), and loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D). 

Learn the difference between decongestants and antihistamines.

Treating a Cold Effectively  

There is no cure for the common cold, but there are ways to relieve cold symptoms and feel better: 

• Rest: Your body needs rest to recover from the infection. 

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink lots of water, juices, clear broths, or warm lemon water with honey. This can help to prevent dehydration and loosen congestion. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sodas, which can make dehydration worse. 

• Humidify the air: Dry air can make a sore throat and itchy nose worse. Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier. 

• Take over-the-counter medications: Decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with some cold symptoms. 

• Gargle with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help with a sore throat. 

• Use a neti pot: A neti pot can help flush out mucus from your nose. 

• Breathe in steam: Sit in a steamy bathroom or breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water to clear congestion.

Comparing Preventive Measures 

How To Prevent Allergies?

• Stay indoors when pollen levels are high.

• Start taking preventive allergy medicine before your symptoms start.

• Keep doors and windows closed if possible. 

• Use air conditioning in your home and car.

• Avoid going outdoors in the early morning when pollen counts are at their peak.

• Clean indoor air with a portable air purifier or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your HVAC system. 

• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry.

• Keep floors and furnishings clean by vacuuming regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

How To Prevent Common Colds?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, or mouth).

• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen and bathroom countertops.

• Sneeze and cough into a tissue and throw it away immediately. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow and then wash your hands.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick with colds. 

• Stay out of crowded areas during flu season. 

• Wear a face mask in public places so you are not exposed to cold viruses. 

• Get the recommended vaccinations, such as annual flu vaccines.

• Take care of yourself by eating well, getting regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

FAQs on Allergies or Cold

Can Allergies Make You Feel Sick and Tired?

Yes, allergy symptoms can make it hard to get restful sleep, which can make you feel sick and tired. 

How Do You Know If Your Body Is Fighting A Cold?

You can tell your body is fighting a cold if you have symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), sore throat, cough, body aches, and low-grade fever. These common cold symptoms occur because the body launches an immune response to fight the viral infection.

How Do You Know If a Cough is an Allergy?

You can suspect a cough is allergy-related if: 

• It is accompanied by other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and postnasal drip. 

• It is a dry cough that usually doesn't bring up mucus. This is also called a nonproductive cough.

What Are The 5 Stages of a Cold?

The five stages of a cold are as follows:

• Stage 1: Incubation: This is the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of cold symptoms. The incubation period can be anywhere from 12 hours to 3 days. 

• Stage 2: Early Symptoms: You start to feel generally unwell and fatigued but don’t have cold symptoms except maybe a sniffle.

• Stage 3: Peak Symptoms: You have severe cold symptoms that last for one to three days. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, headaches, body aches, and low-grade fever. 

• Stage 4: Remission: Your symptoms start to improve within seven days but can last as long as 10 days.

• Stage 5: Recovery: Most people recover from a cold within 7-10 days, but some lingering symptoms, such as fatigue and cough, may be present for up to two weeks. How to Control Coughing at Night?

Can Allergies Make You Congested?

Yes, allergies can make you congested. Allergies occur when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust, or mites. This triggers the release of immune system chemicals such as histamine that cause symptoms such as nasal congestion.