THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, FLU, OR ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Many of us struggle to figure out whether our symptoms stem from a cold, flu or allergies. Symptoms of the common cold, the flu or seasonal allergy conditions can seem very similar. With so many symptoms common to all three, it can be a tricky question to answer as to which is bothering you. Knowing which symptoms are typical of each condition can be a helpful place to start. And of course, speaking with your doctor is the only way to get a confirmed diagnosis in the cold vs flu vs allergies quandary.
No one likes dealing with stuffed noses, sneezing or itchy eyes, but there are ways to help prevent all of these symptoms. Learn more about ways to prepare for allergy season, as well.
Check out this chart below to help tell the difference between cold, flu and allergy symptoms. Learn more about Flonase products to help your allergy symptoms and explore our allergy content.
WHICH SYMPTOMS ARE TYPICAL OF EACH CONDITION?*
FEVER
or allover body ache1,2
COLD
Rare
FLU
Common
ALLERGY
Not Typical
DURATION
of symptoms 1,2,3
COLD
2–14 days
FLU
Up to 1–2 weeks
ALLERGY
Often longer than 3 weeks
MUCUS1
COLD
Thick yellowy mucus
FLU
Thick yellowy mucus
ALLERGY
Clear thin mucus
SNEEZING1
COLD
Less prominent, with longer rest time between sneezes
FLU
Less prominent, with longer rest time between sneezes
ALLERGY
More prominent, with sneezes in rapid succession
ITCHY EYES1
COLD
Uncommon
FLU
Uncommon
ALLERGY
Common
*You should consult a physician to be sure which condition you have.
Sources:
1. Allergic Rhinitis. Family Doctor website. 1996. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/allergic-rhinitis.html. Accessed October 17, 2018.
2. Cold, Flu or Allergy? NIH News in Health website. 2014. Available at: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy. Accessed October 17, 2018.
3. Common Cold. MedlinePlus website. 2014. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/commoncold.html. Accessed October 17, 2018.
4. Flu/Cold or Allergies? Asthma and Allergy Foundation for America website. 1995. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=481. Accessed October 17, 2018.
ALL ABOUT ALLERGIES
All the information you need to lead a life that's not limited by allergies. See all articles >
