Is it allergies, a cold or the flu? How to spot the difference

You wake up congested. Then your throat feels scratchy. Before you know it, you’re sneezing or wondering if your cough is morphing into something more. 

Is it just allergies, a cold? Could it be the flu — or something else? And should you call the doctor?

Symptoms like these can be hard to sort out because they often look and feel similar.

Here, we break down how to tell the difference between seasonal allergies vs. cold vs. flu to help you take the next step toward feeling better.

Seasonal allergy symptoms

Seasonal allergies typically happen in the spring and fall, and are often triggered by outdoor allergens, like ragweed pollen and mold spores. Unlike a common cold or the flu, allergies aren't caused by a virus — which means they aren't contagious.

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy nose, eyes or throat
• Watery or red eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Mild fatigue

One of the important clues that allergies are to blame is itching. Itchy eyes, nose and throat are common with seasonal allergies but are rarely experienced if you have a cold or the flu.

Another giveaway of allergy symptoms is that they can last for weeks (or months) and tend to happen around the same time every year. If your symptoms improve after you take allergy medications or when the pollen counts drop in your area (you can monitor this out by checking your local weather report or using weather apps), you’re probably dealing with seasonal allergies.

Common cold symptoms

A cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. There are more than 200 viruses that can actually cause a cold.

Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses, with colds being associated with milder symptoms. If you catch a cold, your symptoms will probably develop gradually over a few days.

Common cold symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Mild cough
• Congestion
• Mild fatigue
• Low-grade fever (sometimes, especially in kids)

Unlike seasonal allergies, colds don't typically cause itchy eyes or nose. Cold symptoms usually peak within a few days and improve within 7 to 10 days. But if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, call your healthcare provider to make sure you don’t have a bacterial infection or a non-seasonal environmental allergy.

Because colds are contagious, it's important to frequently wash your hands and to stay home when you're feeling sick to avoid exposing others.

Flu symptoms

Influenza, or simply the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. While some flu symptoms can overlap with cold symptoms, the flu typically comes on suddenly and can be much more severe.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Fever, muscle aches and exhaustion are more common with the flu than with the common cold.

The good news is that most healthy adults recover within a few days but it can take up to two weeks to feel fully better. If you have the flu, you may benefit from antiviral medications that are active against the flu virus, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.

Many people who get the flu describe feeling fine one day and significantly worse the next. Though cold and flu can have similar symptoms, the flu can lead to serious complications, especially in people who are older, young children, women who are pregnant or who have chronic health conditions, like heart or lung issues. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting your annual flu vaccine or other vaccines that are right for you.

When symptoms may be something else

Some respiratory illnesses can look very similar to allergies, colds or the flu.

COVID-19

COVID-19, like the flu, is a respiratory disease. It’s caused by SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that developed in 2019. 

COVID symptoms can vary widely and may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or diarrhea

The presentation and symptoms of COVID-19 may vary from person to person. One uncommon but potentially distinguishing manifestation is the sudden loss of taste and/or smell, which is rarely seen in other conditions.

Because symptoms overlap with many other illnesses, taking a test either at-home or at your doctor’s office may be the best way to determine whether COVID-19 is causing your symptoms. 

If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s a good idea to call your doctor for further guidance. COVID may still cause serious complications, especially for older adults and those who have chronic medical conditions.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. It often starts similar to a common cold, but progresses to involve further respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing. 

Symptoms of RSV may include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Decreased appetite

While RSV often causes mild illness in healthy adults, it can be much more serious for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The RSV vaccination is available for people who are at a high risk of developing complications.

If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. 

7 tips to help prevent colds and flu

While it's not always possible to avoid getting sick, we recommend these healthy habits that can help you lower your risk.

1. Wash your hands often

Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, coughing or sneezing. We touch our phones, door handles, keyboards and counters all day, often without thinking about it. 

As an alternative to washing your hands, you can reduce the contamination of viruses or germs on your hands with the regular use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Stay up to date with your vaccines

Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk for infection. Based on your medical condition, you may be eligible for the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The RSV vaccination is also available for those with increased risk of severe disease.

3. Avoid touching your face

Viruses can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.

4. Stay home when you're sick

Resting at home to avoid contact with others can not only help you recover, it helps reduce the spread of illness. It can be tempting to push through your symptoms, but if you have a fever or feel really run down, your body is telling you to slow down.

5. Clean frequently touched surfaces

Regularly disinfect items in your home and workspace, such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs and countertops.

6. Prioritize sleep and nutrition

A healthy immune system starts with quality sleep, regular physical activity and balanced nutrition. Getting a good night’s rest, drinking enough fluids and focusing on nutritious foods won’t prevent every illness. But they do give your immune system support when it’s fighting something off.

7. Cover coughs and sneezes

Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to help prevent germs from spreading when you’re coughing or sneezing.

Next steps and helpful resources

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