- The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is caused by a viral infection while allergy symptoms are caused by your body’s own immune system’s attempt to fight off an allergen.
- If you start sniffling and coughing at the same time year after year, and your symptoms come on suddenly, it may be allergies.
- If you have a cough, it’s probably a cold. Most people with a cold will have a cough, but not everyone with allergies will have this symptom.
- If you’re aching all over, it’s probably a cold, not allergies. Aches and pains are not symptoms of allergies.
- Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies but RARELY occur with the common cold!
- If you have a fever, it’s not allergies! A fever is sometimes present with a cold, but will never occur with allergies
Tips to Avoid Fall Allergies
- In the early fall, I LOVE to open all of our windows, turn on the ceiling fans, and let in the fresh fall air. Unfortunately I am also letting in allergens. It’s really best to keep your windows closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to minimize allergens in your home.
- Clean and change air filters every three months to reduce the amount of household dirt, debris, and allergens. I typically change ours every 60 days since we have dogs.
- In the fall, we start pulling out cozy quilts and plush blankets when temperatures finally cool off at night. But these can be the home to dust mites, causing your allergies to become inflamed. Wash your bedding every two weeks to help ease allergy symptoms.
- Avoid raking leaves, especially when they are wet and the likeliness of mold is high. Wear a face mask if you need to do yard work and remove your clothes and shoes as soon as you come into the house.
- Rinse your sinuses. Nasal irrigation – rinsing your sinuses to remove mucus and allergens from your nose – is a way to help ease congestion.
- Try over-the-counter allergy medications, which my husband relies on this time of year. Many antihistamines – which can come in liquid, pill and eye drop form – are available without a prescription. They work to block histamine and relieve itchy noses and throats, sneezing, and watery eyes.
We have a convenient MinuteClinic located less than 5 miles from our house. MinuteClinic is conveniently open 7 days a week, including weekday
evening hours. Walk-in, no appointment is necessary. Most health care insurance is accepted.
Find a MinuteClinic near you here: http://bit.ly/1tizodF
Disclosure: I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic. All opinions are my/our own.