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Allergies vs. Cold: Understand the Difference

Know the difference between an allergy and a cold.

Learn how to distinguish between allergy symptoms and the common cold for proper treatment.

There are some similarities between allergies and the common cold, so it can be difficult to figure out how to relieve your symptoms. But there are a few ways to identify which is which.

Start by comparing the most obvious symptoms. 

Common allergy symptoms1

  • Runny/stuffy nose and post-nasal drip+
  • Itchy, red, and/or watery eyes+
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing+
  • Nasal congestion or sinus pressure+
  • Hives, rash, or other types of skin irritation+

Common cold symptoms2

  • Runny/stuffy nose and post-nasal drip
  • Red and/or watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Fatigue
  • Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
  • Fever

Although they can present as similar, it's useful to note the differences between allergy and cold symptoms. For instance, itchy, watery eyes or itchy nose or throat are typical allergy symptoms, while coughing, fatigue, muscle aches, and fever usually signal a cold.

Think about how quickly you experienced symptoms and how persistent they are.

Histamine is a chemical released by cells of the immune system when the body encounters an allergen. This causes an allergic reaction.3 Cold symptoms can take longer to fully develop.4

Consider how long you’ve had symptoms.

Allergies are an immune system response that occurs because of exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

In some people, substances such as pollen, certain foods, latex, mold, pet dander, dust mites or insect stings are allergens that trigger the production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine, causing symptoms in the nose, throat, eye, sinuses, ears.5

These symptoms can last throughout a season or even year around for some people.4 And many experience symptoms.

In turn, colds are caused by viruses, and symptoms generally last three to ten days.7

Take an even closer look at specific symptoms4,7

Muscle aches

Probably a cold, not allergies.

Muscle aches

Probably a cold, flu, or another more serious condition. Allergies don’t cause a fever.

Itchy eyes

Redness and watery eyes could be either allergies or a cold. But if your eyes itch, it typically indicates allergies.

Notice the color of your mucus

Clear and watery mucus is most likely due to allergies. If it’s thick and discolored, it’s probably a cold. 

If you experience prolonged symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare professional or allergist to ensure the right diagnosis.

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Read full directions and warnings.

*Among oral antihistamines.

†Starts working in one hour. Applies to first dose only. Among single-ingredient OTC branded oral antihistamines.

References

  1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of  American, Editors. What are the Symptoms of an Allergy?, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of  American (aafa.org), 2015. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
     
  2. Ron Eccles. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza, National Institute of Biotechnology Information (ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc), 2005. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
     
  3. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Histamine, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org), 2021. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
     
  4. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Sudden Allergies: When a Summer cold is much more, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (acaai.org), 2014. Reviewed on July 13, 2021.
     
  5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Allergic Reactions, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org), September 28, 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
     
  6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Editors. Allergies and Hay Fever, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), 2018. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
     
  7. Pritish K Tosh, MD. Cold or Allergy: Which is it?, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021
     
  8. Telfast Gulf PIL – last revised November 2020
     
  9. Telfast-D Gulf PIL, last revised July 2021