THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, FLU, AND ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Many of us struggle to figure out whether our symptoms stem from a cold, a flu virus, or if they could be seasonal allergies. With so many symptoms common to all 3, it can be a tricky question to answer. 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.
WHICH SYMPTOMS ARE TYPICAL OF EACH CONDITION?*
FEVER or all-over body ache1,2 |
COLD Rare |
FLU Common |
ALLERGY Not typical |
DURATION of symptoms1,2,3 |
COLD 2–14 days |
FLU Up to 1–2 weeks |
ALLERGY Often longer than 3 weeks |
| MUCUS1 |
COLD Thick
|
FLU Thick
|
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.
TAGS: About Allergies / Allergy Symptoms
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