Allergies vs. Cold: Signs That Can Help You Tell Them Apart

Content medically reviewed by Larry Leadbetter, MD

You have a sore throat and a runny nose, and you’ve been sneezing a lot. You suspect allergies or the common cold is the cause. How can you know which?

These conditions share many symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between them. Only a medical provider can make a definitive diagnosis. However, if you know what clues to look for, you can understand which condition is likely making you feel under the weather. As a result, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect, how to treat your symptoms, and when to seek medical care if they don’t improve. Let’s explore how to spot the differences between allergies and a cold. 

How Allergies & Colds Are Similar …

Allergies and colds have many similarities. Both affect the respiratory system, making breathing (primarily through the nose) more difficult. In addition, these conditions are among the most common causes of respiratory illness. More than 31% of adults in the U.S. have an allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Lung Association reports that, on average, adults get two to three colds per year.

Frustratingly, allergies and colds also look and feel alike. Some symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and sneezing, are common to both.

… & How They’re Different

Despite their similarities, allergies and colds also differ in many ways. 

Cause

Environmental allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to an allergen, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander. The immune response to these substances triggers symptoms. Colds, on the other hand, are caused by viruses. Hundreds of viruses can cause colds. Colds are contagious, but allergies are not.

Duration

“Allergies can be long-term conditions that flare up and cause symptoms when you’re exposed to specific allergens,” said Dr. Larry Leadbetter, internal medicine physician at Essentia Health. “The symptoms may not go away until your exposure to the allergen stops. For example, if you have seasonal allergies to tree or grass pollen, symptoms can last weeks or months until pollen season ends. Colds tend to be short-lived, usually lasting less than two weeks.”

Specific Symptoms

Although they share many symptoms, allergies and colds have distinct differences. Examples include a sore throat, which is common with a cold but occurs infrequently with allergies, and body aches, which can occur with a cold but are generally unheard of with allergies.

Allergies vs. Cold: A Symptom Checklist

Use this checklist to assess your symptoms and determine whether they’re likely due to allergies or a cold.

Home Care for Allergies & Colds

You don’t have to take your symptoms lying down. Whether you are dealing with allergies or a cold, there are solutions to feel better as soon as the first sniffle appears.For cold-like symptoms –

• Rest as much as you can while your body fights the virus and stay hydrated.
• Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air to help you breathe better.
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever.
• Use an OTC decongestant, such as Sudafed®, to help break up mucus and improve your breathing.
• Use lozenges or tea with honey to soothe a sore throat.

For allergy-like symptoms –

• Avoid the allergens, such as pollen, that trigger symptoms. For example, if you’re allergic to pollen, stay inside on high-pollen days, keep your home and car windows closed, and wash your clothes when you come in from outside.
• Take an OTC antihistamine, such as Allegra® or Zyrtec®, to help relieve symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.
• Use an OTC nasal steroid, such as Flonase®, to reduce congestion.

When to Seek Medical Care

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need help getting over your symptoms. Your primary care provider (PCP) can find out what’s causing you to feel unwell and may prescribe a treatment to help you feel like yourself again.

Most colds go away on their own within two weeks. See your PCP if cold-like symptoms don’t improve after 10 days, or if they get better and then worsen. You should also see your PCP if your fever lasts longer than four days.

“For allergy-like symptoms, see your PCP if you don’t see an improvement after several days of home care,” Dr. Leadbetter said. “If your PCP suspects allergies but you’ve never been diagnosed, they may refer you to an allergy and immunology specialist to confirm the diagnosis and create a treatment plan.” 

The Bottom Line

Allergies and colds can mimic each other, but it’s possible to tell which one may be affecting you if you know the signs. Remember these facts –

1. Allergies and colds share several symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose.
2. With allergies, you won’t have a fever or body aches, but both can occur with a cold.
3. A cold will usually go away within two weeks, but allergy symptoms will stick around until you’re no longer exposed to the allergen that’s causing them.