It is sometimes hard to tell because a lot of the symptoms may overlap. Here is a great chart from webMD that summarizes the difference:
Characteristic
|
Cold
|
Allergy
|
Duration
|
three-14 days
|
Days to months -- as long as you are exposed to the allergen
|
Time of Year
|
Most often in the winter, but possible at any time
|
Any time of the year -- although the appearance of some allergens are seasonal
|
Onset of symptoms
|
Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus.
|
Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen
|
Symptom
|
Cold
|
Allergy
|
Cough
|
Often
|
Sometimes
|
Aches
|
Sometimes
|
Never
|
Fatigue
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
Fever
|
Rarely
|
Never
|
Itchy, watery eyes
|
Rarely
|
Often
|
Sore throat
|
Often
|
Sometimes
|
Runny or stuffy nose
|
Often; usually yellow mucus
|
Often; usually clear mucus
|
Last year, I did a Q&A with my cousin, Dr Joann Lin, who is an allergist in Dallas, TX. If you have further questions you want to ask, you can email them to me at ellenkimmd@gmail.com and I'll compile another Q&A post with her.
Thanks for posting the chart. That should make things a whole lot easier. Of course, consulting an expert should never be left out of the equation, especially if there are any uncertainties.
ReplyDeleteYes! When in doubt or to get better relief, go to your doctor!
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes hard to determine especially if your allergies do not regularly occur. I hope there are colds and sore throat home remedies that could be used whether it's allergy or fever or flu.
ReplyDelete