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Is It A Cold Or Seasonal Allergies?

05/23/18 By Lindsey McCarthy

With the seasons changing, there is always the question whether our symptoms of a cold are from a virus or if they are allergies. This is a common mistake because a cold and allergies have many traits in common with each other. It is essential to know if it is a cold or allergies so it can be adequately treated.

Symptoms of a cold:

  • A cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose
  • More severe colds can cause fevers and body aches
  • Quick recovery – usually 7 to 10 days
  • Can be passed through the air from coughing, sneezing, and touch

Symptoms of allergies:

  • Sneezing, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, and congestion
  • A sore throat caused by postnasal drip
  • Rashes and itchy eyes
  • Fevers and body aches are not a sign of allergy

When an allergy occurs, our body lets out chemicals called histamines, which fights off intruders. These histamines are what cause allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergies are most common, along with pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, and different foods. Symptoms of an allergy will not go away without treatment or removal from the original trigger. Antihistamines are a treatment for allergies, which work by blocking the histamine reactions reducing symptoms. Allegra, Benadryl, and Zyrtec are the most common treatments for allergies.

If you have a cold, there are medications you can take to alleviate the symptoms, but they are not treatable. These medications include cough syrups, decongestant sprays, pain relievers, and multi-symptom cold relief medicine. Although colds don’t last too long, it is never fun to have one. The best way to avoid viruses is keeping up with your hand hygiene. Safetec of America, Inc. manufactures Instant Hand Sanitizers, SaniWash Antimicrobial Hand Soap, and p.a.w.s. Antimicrobial Hand Wipes to help you with hand hygiene. Let Safetec be the first one you call to help you avoid those pesky colds!

 

References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold#5
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold