Is it a cold or is it allergies?

Differences Between Colds and Allergies

As we move into allergy season, how do you know whether it's a cold or allergies?  

Take stock of your symptoms and how long they last to help you decide what's causing your trouble.

Characteristic	Cold	Allergy
How Long It Lasts	3-14 days	Days to months -- as long as you're in contact with the allergy trigger
When It Happens	Most often in the winter, but possible at any time	Any time of the year -- although the appearance of some allergy triggers are seasonal
When It Starts	Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus	Symptoms can begin immediately after contact with allergy triggers
Symptom	Cold	Allergy
Cough	Often	Sometimes
Aches	Sometimes	Never
Fatigue	Sometimes	Sometimes
Fever	Rarely	Never
Itchy, watery eyes	Rarely	Often
Sore throat	Often	Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose	Often	Often

The most important difference is that colds usually don't last longer than 14 days. So think about checking in with the Wellness Center-Health Services  if you still have symptoms after 2 weeks. These may be allergy symptoms or signs of another problem.