Whether you have allergies, asthma or a complex immune disorder, the Unity Health Allergy and Immunology team is here to help. Our allergists and immunologists provide expert care close to home so you don't have to travel far for the treatments you need.
Reviewed 8/10/2022
Cold vs. allergy: Which is it?
Sneezing. Runny nose. Coughing. These symptoms all fit the bill for both allergies and colds. Take this quiz to learn the subtle differences.
Allergy, Cold or Either: I think what I have is caused by a virus.
Cold. While allergies are caused by exposure to allergens, colds are viral infections you pick up from infected people or contaminated objects. Either way, over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines can help relieve your symptoms.
Allergy, Cold or Either: It's summertime and I have a runny nose. What do I have?
Either. You might be inclined to believe that you have a summer cold. But that might not be the case. Allergy-causing mold and grass pollens are active during the summer. So your symptoms could be caused by a cold or an allergy, and the answer will depend on other factors. But if your eyes are itchy, it's probably allergies.
Allergy, Cold or Either: I'm coughing and sneezing with yellow mucus coming from my nose.
Either. Clear drainage is normal for both allergies and colds. With allergies, the mucus is thin and watery, but a cold will develop thicker mucus and usually turn yellow. However, yellow mucus can happen with allergies too.
Allergy, Cold or Either: I have a fever.
Cold. Allergies do not cause a fever—infections do. But a mild fever is a rare symptom of a cold, so you might have the flu or another infection, especially if the fever is high.
Allergy, Cold or Either: My symptoms have gotten worse over time.
Cold. If your symptoms evolve—your runny nose turns into a sore throat and coughing, for example—you probably have a cold. Usually, it will only last 7 to 10 days and go away on its own.
Allergy, Cold or Either: My symptoms have lasted more than two weeks.
Either. While colds can feel like they linger for a while, they should go away after a week or so. Allergies will stick around as long as the allergen is present. But it's also possible you have developed a sinus infection, whether it started as a cold or allergies.
Allergy, Cold or Either: My symptoms began suddenly.
Allergy. Allergies kick in immediately when you're exposed to an allergen. Symptoms of a cold come on more gradually, sometimes over a few days.
Environmental factors can be a huge trigger for allergies. Keeping tabs on pollen counts in your area can help you plan ahead (and suffer less).
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; National Institutes of Health
Expert allergy services
Our allergy specialist treats a variety of allergic disorders in children and adults. Depending on your symptoms, our provider may prescribe allergy testing, medication or recurring allergy shots.
Here are some of the common allergy-related conditions we treat:
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Anaphylaxis
- Allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Environmental allergies
- Food and drug allergies
Immune system care
A healthy immune system is crucial to fending off infections and illnesses. When your immune system isn't working as it should, our experienced immunologist will work closely with your primary care team to diagnose and help you manage your immune deficiencies.