It is sometimes difficult to tell whether your child has a cold or allergies. Parents are able to make a diagnosis when they go the hospital after a lingering cold that wont go away. Symptoms of common cold and allergies overlap but there are some differences.
Differences between a cold and allergies
Common cold is caused by a virus. There are different types of cold viruses and cold may vary in severity. They are contagious and you can get it when an infected person sneezes, coughs or shake hands with you. After a few weeks, the immune system fights off the infection and you stop having symptoms.
Allergies on the other hand are caused by an overactive immune system. The body mistakes harmless substances such as dust as germs and attacks them. As a result the body releases chemicals such as histamines just as it does when you are fighting a cold. You begin to have symptoms such as sneezing and coughing.
Unlike colds, allergies are not contagious. However some people inherit the tendency to get them.
| symptoms | Cold | Allergies |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | Often | Sometimes |
| Aches | Sometimes | Never |
| Fever | Rarely | Never |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Itchy, watery eyes | Rarely | Often |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Runny , stuffy nose | Often | Often |
| Characteristics | Cold | Allergies |
| When does it happen | Usually in winter but possible anytime | Anytime of the year although the appearance of some allergy triggers are seasonal |
| How long does it last | 3-14 days | Days to months as long as you're in contact with the allergy triggers are seasonal |
| When it starts | Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus | Symptoms can begin immediately after contact with allergy triggers |
Content Sources
Is it an allergy or cold. March of Dimes. http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.org/?p=20400. Accessed May 12, 2016
Is It Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference. American Academy of Pediatrics. Is It Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference. Accessed May 12, 2016