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Cold vs allergies
By understanding the differences between allergies and colds, you can quickly identify the correct means of relief. To help you determine whether you have allergies or a cold, you can track your symptoms over time to help identify patterns that indicate allergies or a cold. Pay attention to the timing of your symptoms, such as if they appear after being exposed to certain environments (such as pollen) or if they come and go in a cycle. 4 You can also look for other signs of allergies, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose. 5 Colds are typically accompanied by more severe symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and body aches.
How to tell the difference
Pay attention to the timing of your symptoms.
Allergies are usually worse during certain times of the year when pollen counts are high. 5 Paying attention to the timing of your symptoms can help you to better recognize when you might be affected by either a cold, or allergies and seek the right treatment more quickly. Knowing when allergies or colds are most likely to strike can also give you the chance to plan ahead and be prepared.
Location can be a clue.
Along with certain times of the year, allergies may be worse in certain areas where pollen counts are higher too, 3 while colds can be spread more easily in enclosed spaces like schools and offices. 2 While location can be a good clue, it’s important to consider other factors to help determine whether you’re dealing with a cold vs. allergies.
Look at the type of symptoms you have.
Colds often cause a sore throat, fever, and body aches while allergies typically cause sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, and congestion. 5 You can find out more about the different symptoms to expect with colds and allergies, and how to tell the difference between the two below.
What symptoms to expect from a cold vs. allergies
It can be hard to distinguish between a cold and allergies because they share many common symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, sore throat and runny nose, as well as nasal congestion and watery eyes. Because of this, it can be easier to differentiate between a cold or allergies by looking at what symptoms you don't have, rather than the ones you do.
Colds typically cause a fever, body aches, fatigue and a decrease in appetite, while allergies typically don't. 6 Allergies often cause itchy eyes and throat, while colds don't. Colds also tend to last longer than allergies (up to two weeks) whereas allergies can come and go quickly. 6
Treatment for Cold and Allergies
Treating the common cold
A cold normally does not necessitate a visit to the doctor. Because antibiotics only kill bacteria, they are ineffective against the viruses that cause colds. Rest and plenty of fluids are usually the only treatments in most situations. Cough syrups and over-the-counter (OTC) cold treatments can help soothe a cough, as can decongestant nasal sprays and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and panadol. 7
Treating allergies
One very effective way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your triggers. If you can’t avoid your triggers, you can take medications to relieve your symptoms. There are three main types of medications which can help relieve your allergy symptoms: antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays. Antihistamines like Telfast work by blocking the effects of histamine. Decongestants and saline nasal sprays to reduce nasal congestion and corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation and mucus production. 8
Find out more about which medicine may help to alleviate your allergy symptoms.
To find out more about common over‐the‐counter hayfever allergy treatments available, visit your local pharmacy.
Rhinitis and Sinusitis
It is known today that allergic rhinitis can go hand in hand with sinusitis and that it can even be a risk factor for the problem.
1. Colds - Better Health Channel. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/colds
2. Common Cold. (2023, January 1). Common Cold | Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/common-cold
3. Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) - Symptoms, Treatments and Causes | Healthdirect. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever
4. Do I Have a Common Cold or Allergies? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold
5. Hay Fever - Better Health Channel. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hay-fever
6. Tesch, D. (2018, April 10). Is it a cold or allergies? | HealthPartners Blog. HealthPartners Blog. Retrieved from https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/cold-or-allergies/
7. 7 Signs You Have Allergies—and Not Just a Cold. (2022, June 14). Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/allergies-or-cold
8. Allergies vs. Cold: How to Tell the Difference - GoodRx. GoodRx. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies/allergies-or-cold-symptoms-causes-treatment
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