Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

By Tanya Freske, CNP, Walk-In Clinic

Sneezing, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat can mean seasonal allergies or a virus. Telling them apart matters because the treatments are different. The biggest tip-offs: allergies don’t cause a fever or body aches, and they tend to hang around for weeks. A cold usually runs its course in about 7 to 10 days.

How the Symptoms Compare

Symptom	Allergies	Cold or Virus
Itchy, watery eyes	Common	Rare
Fever	Never	Sometimes
Body aches	No	Common
Runny nose	Clear and thin	Thicker, may change color
How it starts	Suddenly, with exposure	Gradually, over a day or two
How long it lasts	Weeks, as long as exposure continues	About 7 to 10 days

Allergies vs. Cold: What Helps and What Doesn’t

For Allergies:

A non-drowsy, over-the-counter antihistamine, taken as directed
Saline nasal rinses or sprays to flush out pollen
Keep windows closed on high-pollen days and shower after time outdoors

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help when used as directed. Most mild sprains and strains start feeling better within a few days and heal in one to two weeks.

For a Cold:

Rest, fluids, and time, since antibiotics don’t work on viruses
Saline spray and a cool-mist humidifier for congestion
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) as needed for a fever above 101°F. Infants below the age of 6 months should not use ibuprofen.
Honey can calm a cough for anyone over age 1, but never give honey to a baby under 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under age 4

When It’s Time to Be Seen

A fever lasting more than 3 days
A fever above 102°F that does not reduce with appropriate use of Tylenol or Motrin
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or improving and then getting worse, which can signal a sinus infection
Ear pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Allergy symptoms that over-the-counter medicine can’t control

The Walk-In Clinic at Glenwood Medical Center is open seven days a week, or you can schedule with your family medicine provider.