Medically reviewed
A cold and allergies can sometimes be difficult to tell apart, and that’s because both involve your body’s immune system fighting a foreign invader. In the case of a cold, that invader is a virus, while in the case of allergies, this could be anything from pollen to pet dander. So, how can you tell them apart? First, pay attention to your symptoms. While a cold and allergies can both involve stuffy nose and sneezing, allergies also include red and itchy eyes, while a cold can involve a fever, body aches and general fatigue. The duration of both is different as well; while a cold can last up to ten days, allergies will linger as long as the trigger is around you, meaning it could be weeks or months.
If you want to talk through your symptoms, you can always text with a doctor now in the K Health app.
