Is It Allergies or a Cold? Differences, Similarities, and How to Treat Each

Written by: Sendra Yang, PharmD, MBA

Have you ever had a runny nose, sneezing, and a scratchy throat and wondered whether you have allergies or a cold? The symptoms can be very similar, making it somewhat difficult to tell the difference.^{1, 2} However, knowing which one you have is important because it affects how you treat your symptoms. Continue reading to find out the differences between allergies and the common cold, tips for self-diagnosis, and treatment options.

The Difference Between Allergies and a Cold

The most significant difference between allergies and a cold is their causes.^{1, 2}

The common cold is caused by viruses that infect the upper respiratory system, such as rhinoviruses.^1-4 When you catch a cold, your immune system fights off the virus, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, coughing, and sneezing.

Allergies, on the other hand, are not caused by viruses.^1,2 Instead, they happen when your immune system mistakenly reacts to harmless substances called allergens.^{1, 2, 5, 6} Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold.⁵ When your body encounters an allergen, it releases chemicals like histamine, which cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.^{5, 6}

Symptoms of Allergies vs. Colds

While allergies and the common cold can have overlapping symptoms, there are notable differences between the two.^{1, 2}

Both

 
• Runny nose
 
• Stuffy nose
 
• Frequent sneezing
 
• Coughing (although more common and persistent in colds)
 
• Fatigue (though more pronounced in colds)

Allergies

 
• Itchy, watery eyes

Colds

 
• Sore throat
 
• Fever, body aches^3-6

Furthermore, the duration of symptoms can help determine the cause. Colds usually last between 3 to 10 days, while allergy symptoms can persist for weeks or even months as long as exposure to allergens continues.^1-3

How to Tell If You Have Allergies or a Cold

To determine whether you have allergies or a cold, consider a few key factors. First, look at the timing of your symptoms.^1,2 If they appear at the same time every year, such as during spring or fall, allergies are a likely cause.^5,6 Seasonal allergies are triggered by pollen from trees, grass, and weeds, and symptoms can also arise suddenly after exposure to dust, pets, or mold.⁵ In contrast, colds can occur anytime but are more common in the fall and winter.^{3, 4} If you were recently around someone who was sick and developed symptoms a few days later, it is more likely a cold.

Another meaningful sign is itchy eyes.^{1, 2} Itchy, watery eyes strongly suggest allergies, while colds typically do not cause eye itching. Additionally, the duration of your symptoms can provide a clue. Colds usually last about 7 to 10 days, whereas allergy symptoms persist for as long as exposure to allergens continues.^{3, 4} If you find that your symptoms improve when staying indoors or worsen in specific environments, allergies are more likely the cause. Allergies also tend to trigger more persistent sneezing compared to colds, which usually involve sporadic sneezing episodes.^{1, 2}

Fever and body aches are common with colds but not with allergies.^{1, 2} If you have a mild fever or body aches, you likely have a cold or another infection, such as the flu.^{3, 4} Furthermore, colds often start with a sore throat and progress to nasal congestion and coughing, whereas allergies usually begin with sneezing and nasal irritation without throat pain.^1-4 If you experience persistent congestion, postnasal drip, or sinus pressure that does not improve with rest, it may be helpful to consider allergy testing or consultation with a healthcare provider.^{5, 6} Understanding these distinctions can help you determine the best course of treatment and relief.

Treating Allergies and the Common Cold

You can choose the best treatment once you determine whether you have allergies or a cold.^3-6

Treating Allergies

 
• Avoid allergens: The best way to manage allergies is to avoid the triggers. If you have pollen allergies, stay indoors on high-pollen days and keep windows closed. If dust mites are a problem, use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
 
• Use antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
 
• Try nasal sprays: Nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) help relieve congestion and inflammation caused by allergies.
 
• Use allergy shots or tablets: If you have severe allergies, a healthcare provider who is an allergy specialist may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help your body build resistance over time.

Treating the Common Cold

 
• Rest and stay hydrated: Your body needs energy to fight a cold. Drink plenty of fluids and get extra rest.
 
• Use over-the-counter medicine: Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help with nasal congestion. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce headaches and body aches.
 
• Drink warm fluids: Tea, soup, and warm water with honey can help soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus.
 
• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can ease congestion and keep your throat from drying out.

Ways to Help Prevent Colds and Allergies

Understanding how to prevent colds and allergies can also help you stay healthier.^{3, 4} Washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk of catching a cold. For allergy sufferers, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using air purifiers, and regularly washing bedding can help minimize exposure to allergens.^{5, 6}

In some cases, distinguishing between allergies and colds can be tricky, and some individuals may experience both simultaneously.^{1, 2} If your symptoms do not improve with standard treatments, consulting a healthcare provider for additional testing or medication adjustments may be necessary.^3-6 With the right information and approach, allergies and colds can become much more manageable, helping you feel your best.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Most cases of allergies and colds can be managed at home, but there are times when you should seek medical attention^1-6:

 
• If your symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement.
 
• If you have a high fever (over 101.3 °F or 38.5 °C in adults) with chills.
 
• If you have severe sinus pain, pressure, or swelling around your eyes.
 
• If you have trouble breathing or wheezing, it could indicate asthma or another serious condition.

A healthcare provider may conduct allergy testing, prescribe stronger medications, or suggest additional treatment options to help manage symptoms effectively.^3-6 Paying attention to symptom patterns and seeking timely medical care when needed can ensure proper treatment and a faster recovery.

Summary

Understanding the difference between allergies and the common cold can help you choose the most effective treatment and find relief more quickly. While both conditions may cause sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose, allergies tend to persist as long as exposure continues, while colds resolve within a week or so. Allergies commonly include itchy, watery eyes, while colds may bring fever and body aches. Monitoring the duration and pattern of your symptoms can help determine the best course of action. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or do not respond to standard treatments, consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions and find the most appropriate relief plan.

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1. National Institutes of Health. Cold, flu, or allergy? Published October 2014. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy
 
2. Mayo Clinic. Is it an allergy or a common cold? Published January 26, 2024. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/is-it-an-allergy-or-the-common-cold
 
3. Mayo Clinic. Common cold. Published May 24, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
 
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About common cold. Published October 15, 2024. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
 
5. Cleveland Clinic. Allergies. Last reviewed December 21, 2022. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergies
 
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FastStats: Allergies. Last reviewed February 1, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm