Cold vs Allergy Symptoms

Trying to figure out whether you are suffering from a cold or allergies? Some symptoms can be the same for both like sinus pressure, sneezing and runny nose, but some have distinct differences that lead you right to the cause. Talk to your doctor and answer these simple questions about your symptoms to help figure out if what you are feeling is likely a cold or allergies.

Question 1:

What kind of mucus is coming out of your nose?

When you have a runny nose, clear, watery mucus typically means allergies. Cloudy, thick mucus that may be colored could mean that you have a cold.

Question 2:

Do you have a fever?

Allergies don’t come with a fever. Colds sometimes do. If one of your symptoms is a fever, this could mean that you have a cold.

Question 3:

Do you have an itchy nose?

Colds typically don’t make you itch. If you have an itchy nose, this could indicate that you have allergies.

Question 4:

Do you have sneezing attacks?

If you’re sneezing lots in a row it’s most likely allergies. This doesn’t seem to happen as much with a cold.

Question 5:

Do you have watery eyes?

Allergies can cause watery eyes. Colds don’t usually cause your eyes to water.

Question 6:

Is your appetite the same as usual?

A cold can decrease your appetite. Allergies don’t usually interfere with appetite.

To help relieve your cold symptoms, try one of our TYLENOL® Cold products, such as TYLENOL® Cold + Head Congestion Severe Caplets. To help you relieve your allergy symptoms, consider taking an over the counter allergy medicine such as ZYRTEC®.

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