What is the Difference Between Cold and Allergy Symptoms?

Cold and allergy symptoms can be similar, but there are some key differences between the two. Here are the main distinctions:

Cold symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose and congestion
• Mucus that's thick or colored
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Mild body aches and/or headache
• Low-grade fever
• Symptoms last 7 to 10 days
• Symptoms are not specific to a time of year, location, etc.

Allergy symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Mucus that's clear and watery
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy ears
• Headache
• Cough
• Circles under eyes
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Tiredness

Colds are caused by viruses and are contagious, while allergies are caused by an overactive immune system reacting to allergens such as dust or pollen. Cold symptoms usually last up to 2 weeks, whereas allergy symptoms can last as long as you're exposed to the allergen, which may be about 6 weeks during pollen seasons in the spring, summer, or fall. The duration of symptoms can be one of the main clues to differentiate between a cold and allergies.

Comparative Table: Cold vs Allergy Symptoms

Here is a table comparing the differences between cold and allergy symptoms:

Colds are caused by viruses and typically last 5-7 days, while allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as pollen or dust, and can last for several weeks. The duration of symptoms can be a key factor in distinguishing between the two. Allergy symptoms tend to stick around longer and follow a pattern, while cold symptoms usually improve after a week or so.