COLD OR ALLERGIES?

Although it can often be difficult to tell the difference between allergies and a cold, it is crucial to know the difference to ensure that the correct medications are taken and the right treatment plan followed. For starters, an infection is caused by a virus, whereas allergies are a response to irritating substances like pollen and pet dander. One of the best clues is in the eyes. Colds rarely cause watery, itchy eyes, while allergies often do. Unlike allergies, which hang around as long as the irritant does, colds usually clear up within a week or so. Other signs may take longer to recognize, such as do your symptoms show up at the same type every year?

P.S. Allergies and colds both cause nasal congestion, but mucus from allergies will remain clear, unlike that from a cold, which can change colors over time.

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