How To Tell The Difference Between A Cold And Allergies

When you’re struck with a sore throat or sneezing, it can be hard to tell if it’s a cold or if it’s allergies. To help tell the difference between the two, health blog Greatist has put together a guide to narrowing down the problem so you can properly treat the symptoms.

Photo by Lain Watson.

The best indication of whether you have a cold or an allergy comes in the specifics of the symptoms. The Greatist breaks it down:

With a cold, coughing and congestion are almost always evident, whereas itchiness of the mouth, eyes, and throat are easy indicators of allergies. The type of mucus associated with each is particular, too. (Gross, we know. Just hold onto those tissues!) A yellowy mucus usually accompanies a cold, while people with allergies deal with thin, watery snot. Other symptoms unique to the common cold include muscle aches, fatigue, and fever, whereas an all day sneeze fest (gazuntite!) usually points to pollen.

Head over to Greatist for a few more tips on differentiating and treating both symptoms.

Cold vs. Allergies: How Can You Tell? [Greatist]