How can you tell if you have allergy problems or a cold? The symptoms seem the same: runny nose, sore throat, sneezing.
Thanks and hooray for springtime!
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: I’m no doctor, so I recommend that you search the web (focus on .org or .gov or .edu sites, or selected commercial sites like about.com). According to standard sources and my experience, allergies usually will last longer, colds will go away with time. Colds are more associated with coughs and fever. Colds can build slowly, but allergies can hit quickly. Allergies involve itchy eyes, mouth, and nose. Allergy mucus tends to be thinner than cold mucus (well, it’s warm, even if it’s produced when you have a cold).