Is it Allergies or the Common Cold?

When you’re feeling under the weather, it can seem as if you have a cold, but 
symptoms for colds and allergies can be very similar. Allergies are fairly common and 
can appear in people of all ages, so it’s it can be important for you to learn exactly what 
the differences between colds and allergies can be. In the next few paragraphs, you’ll 
find a discussion of the differences between allergies and colds, as well as what you 
can do about them. 


The Common Cold

When people are talking about the common cold, they’re generally speaking about a 
sickness that is caused by a virus. Pathogens likes these kids of viruses can be passed 
through human contact or by being close to someone who has an airborne strain of the 
illness. When your immune system comes in contact with the illness, it’s constant state 
of mutation makes it difficult for your system to deal with it as quickly as other viruses 
that are less transformative. This is why the common cold is a sickness that is currently 
difficult to cure entirely. 

If you have gotten a cold virus, then it’s likely that you’ll have symptoms that change 
every few days. These can include sore throat, coughing, sneezing and fever. One thing 
that is quite unique from allergies is also soreness in your body. 


Allergies

Allergic reactions are very different from colds because they are caused by the 
presence of environmental factors like pollen and pollutants in the air. When your skin, 
eyes, and mucous membranes come in contact with these substances, your body 
begins to respond by trying to get rid of the allergens by doing things like coughing and 
sneezing, but you will notice that the bodily soreness is completely absent. Your skin 
can also provide some tells including crusting, redness, and itchiness. 

Another major difference is that allergies can continue for longer periods than most 
colds can. This means that instead of feeling ill for a week or so, you can feel sick for 
close to a month or more depending on the types of exposure you’ve had.  


Call Your Doctor

If you feel that any of these symptoms are persistent, then it could be a serious infection 
or illness that needs to be looked at. Many colds that go unchecked for too long have 
been known to weaken a person enough to cause them to contract pneumonia. If you 
act quickly, you can avoid being in a worse situation.  
