Compare Allergy, Cold and Flu Symptoms?
The following chart can help you compare cold to seasonal allergy symptoms.
| Symptoms | Cold | Allergies | FLU |
| Fever | Rare | Rare | Characteristic, high (100-102 degrees F); lasts three to four days |
| Headache | Rare | Sinus congestion, sinus headache | Prominent |
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | No | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Quite mild | Tired from restless sleep | Can last up to two to three weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Never | Early and prominent |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Very common, watery discharge |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Very common | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Common from post-nasal drip |
Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Cough is common from post-nasal drip | Common; can become severe |
| Complications | Sinus congestion or earache |
Bacterial Bronchitis | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention | Good hygiene | 24-hr. Allergy medication as per Private Care Practitioner (PCP) | Annual flu shot or FluMist |
| Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms |
See PCP for treatment; Daily 24hr. Non-drowsy allergy medication |
See PCP for treatment; Antiviral drugs within 24-48 hours of onset |