Allergy Vs. Cold
Is it an Allergy or a Cold?
| Characteristic | Cold | Allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | A few days | Days to months — as long as you are exposed to the allergen |
| Time of Year | Most often in the winter, but can be anytime |
Seasonal – spring or fall, pollen allergy Perennial – animal |
| Onset of symptoms | Systems 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 | Rare |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Fever | Rarely | Never |
| Itchy, watery eyes | Rarely | Often |