Cold vs. Allergy: How Do I Know the Difference?
| Symptoms | Allergy | Cold |
|
Stuffy or runny nose
|
Often |
Often |
|
Sneezing
|
Often |
Often |
|
Itchy eyes
|
Often |
Rarely, never |
|
Fever
|
Never |
Often |
|
Aches and pains
|
Never |
Sometimes |
|
Headache
|
Sometimes |
Often |
|
Cough
|
Sometimes |
Often |
|
|
Sometimes |
Often |
|
Hoarseness
|
Sometimes |
Often |
| Recur at a certain time of year |
Often |
Rarely |
| Need for antibiotics |
No |
No |
| Warning time |
Symptoms occur after exposure to allergen |
Gets worse over several days |
| How long it lasts |
As long as your child is exposed to the allergen |
Usually three to 14 days |
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Online Resources of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
Last reviewed: 7/1/2012