Not sure if that sneezing is from a cold or allergies? Answer the following questions to figure out what’s causing your symptoms, so you can treat them accordingly.
Do you have a runny nose?
YES, it’s like Niagara Falls: If it’s a thin, clear discharge, it’s most likely a sign of allergies. If it’s thick and sticky, it’s most likely a cold.
NO, my nose isn’t runny: The most common symptom of allergies or a cold is a stuffy, runny nose. So, you don't have either!
Is your body temperature normal?
YES, it’s 98.6: Allergies usually don’t cause a fever.
NO, I have a fever: Ugh. One of the worst things about a cold is the fever that may accompany it.
Are you free of aches and pains?
YES, my body feels OK: Allergies are not usually accompanied by an aching body.
NO, I’m achy: An aching body usually means that you have a cold rather than allergies.
Did your symptoms develop quickly?
YES, they developed quickly: Allergy symptoms flare up as soon as you’ve come into contact with an allergen.
NO, they developed slowly: Cold symptoms can take several days to develop.
Is the weather warm?
YES, it’s warmer outside: Allergies are more common during the warmer months when the air is filled with pollen.
NO, it’s chillier outside: Colds are more likely to develop in … colder weather. ;-)