A runny nose, sneezing, congestion… It's not always easy to tell whether these are symptoms of a cold or an allergy, especially in the springtime!

Here is some useful information to help you clearly distinguish between the two conditions.

Cold: A common viral infection

Who can say they've never had a cold in their life? There is no escaping it, regardless of your age or state of health. Not surprising, since the common cold (also known as rhinopharyngitis) is caused by viruses that are easily transmitted. Fortunately, this widespread health problem usually has no serious consequences. Although benign in most cases, this infection can nevertheless compromise your well-being and daily routine, at least for a few days.

Typical cold symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion;
• Nasal discharge;
• Sneezing;
• Cough (dry or wet);
• Sore throat;
• Transient fever (less common).

How can I relieve a cold?

Having a cold often means you have to be patient. Since this is a viral infection, you will need to wait for your immune system to fight it off. Recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days.

Unlike bacterial infections, which can be treated with antibiotics, there are no specific treatments for the common cold. Following your pharmacist's recommendations, you may be able to relieve your symptoms by using certain over-the-counter medications that are appropriate for your health condition, such as:

• A decongestant;
• An antihistamine;
• A saline solution (made with salt water);
• A cough suppressant;
• An analgesic;
• Lozenges.

Allergies: Similar symptoms but different causes

An allergy is the body's reaction to an external agent to which it is particularly sensitive (allergen). To defend itself against this "threat," the body triggers a series of reactions, including the release of a substance called histamine, responsible for symptoms of allergy.

Some of the most common allergens include:

• Pollen;
• Mites;
• Animal dander (hair, skin flakes, saliva);
• Mould;
• Certain foods (nuts, peanuts, eggs, milk, etc.);
• Certain medications (e.g., penicillin);
• Certain chemicals.

Seasonal allergy, allergic rhinitis, hay fever: Are they all the same?

The terms “allergic rhinitis” or “hay fever” are sometimes used to refer to seasonal allergies, that is, allergies triggered by allergens present in the air during the spring thaw, such as pollen from trees, grasses, or ragweed.

The term rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages. When you're allergic to a substance, it's often your nose that suffers the consequences. The result is congestion, often a very runny nose, sneezing and itching. These characteristic allergy symptoms are therefore common to those of the common cold, which partly explains why it's easy to confuse them.

Seasonal allergies, commonly referred to as “hay fever,” are historically associated with the haying season (in other words, warm weather!).

In addition to congestion, runny nose, itching and sneezing, a seasonal allergy can be recognized by these signs:

• Tearing or runny eyes;
• Red eyes or swollen eyelids;
• Itchy eyes, palate, throat or ears.

 

An increasingly common condition

There has been a gradual increase in cases of seasonal allergies/hay fever in recent years. In fact, it is estimated that more than 18% of the population aged 15 and older will experience pollen allergy symptoms at some point during the year. Such an increase in cases can be explained by the impact of climate change on vegetation.

 

Is it possible to have a cold and an allergy at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to have a cold and an allergy at the same time. The common cold, a viral infection, and allergies, triggered by immune reactions, can coexist, making symptoms more intense and treatment more complex. In such cases, it may be necessary to take medications specific to each condition in order to effectively manage this co-occurrence. Consult a healthcare professional to be sure!

Common cold or seasonal allergy: a comparison table

	Cold	Allergy
Cause	Virus (rhinovirus)	Allergens (pollen, dust mites, animal hair, mould, etc.)
Possible contagion	Yes	No
Onset of symptoms	Gradual, over a few days	Sudden, upon contact with the allergen
Length	From 7 to 10 days	From several weeks to several months (seasonal) or persistent (year-round)
Nasal secretions	Thick, yellowish or greenish	Clear, liquid and abundant
Fever	Possible (mild)	Absent
Muscle aches	Possible	Absent
Itching (eyes, nose, throat)	Rare	Frequent
Cough	Frequent	Less frequent
Typical season	Fall and winter	Early spring to early fall (seasonal) or year-round (perennial)

 

How can you tell the difference between a cold and allergies?

Here are the right questions to ask yourself to determine whether your symptoms are those of a cold or an allergy!

What season is it?

Colds are most common in fall and winter, while seasonal allergies run from the arrival of spring to the first frost in the fall. Of course, it's possible to have a cold in the middle of summer, but it's generally less frequent. Persistent allergies, on the other hand, can occur at any time.

Has anyone around me had the same symptoms?

A cold is contagious, but allergies are not. So, if someone around you has symptoms similar to yours during the same period, chances are you have a cold.

How did my symptoms start and how are they evolving?

Cold symptoms often evolve gradually, varying in nature and intensity from day to day. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, tend to occur much more suddenly, with fewer variations.

What are the symptoms that distinguish a cold from an allergy?

You probably have a cold or another respiratory viral infection if your nasal symptoms are also accompanied by:

• Fever;
• Sore throat;
• Muscle pain;
• Headache;
• A severe cough;
• Thick, sticky or coloured secretions.

Allergies, on the other hand, are more often associated with a heavy, clear, liquid mucus discharge.

How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?

If your symptoms have lasted more than 7 to 10 days, there's a good chance you have an allergy. Indeed, the symptoms of seasonal allergies can last for several weeks, or even several months in some cases, while those of perennial allergies can persist throughout the year.

Could your symptoms have another origin?

Absolutely! The symptoms of a cold or seasonal allergy can be experienced in the presence of many other conditions. What's more, although allergic rhinitis symptoms are generally caused by exposure to pollen, they can also be due to other allergens, such as:

• Animal hair;
• Dust mites;
• Mould;
• Chemical products.

Can the symptoms of sinusitis be confused with those of an allergy?

Although the two conditions share several similar symptoms, such as nasal congestion and a runny nose, sinusitis is more often accompanied by the following:

• Pain or pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes;
• Thick, discoloured nasal discharge;
• Decreased sense of smell;
• Fever (in some cases)

How can you tell if it's the flu?

Unlike the common cold and allergies, the flu develops suddenly and intensely. The distinctive signs to watch for are:

• A high fever (between 38.9 °C and 40 °C) for 3 to 4 days;
• Severe muscle pain;
• Extreme fatigue, which can last for several weeks;
• A severe cough, sometimes accompanied by breathing problems;
• Severe headaches.

A cold rarely causes a high fever or severe muscle aches, and allergies simply do not cause them. In addition, the flu does not usually cause itchy eyes, nose, or throat, which is a typical symptom of allergies.

How can I tell the difference between a cold or an allergy and COVID-19?

Some symptoms of COVID-19 (congestion, runny nose, cough, and fatigue) may resemble those of a cold or an allergy. However, COVID-19 is more often associated with symptoms such as:

• Fever;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Loss of taste or smell (in some cases).

These symptoms are fairly rare for a common cold and are generally not present in cases of allergies. If in doubt, a rapid screening test at the pharmacy remains the best way to find out for sure.

How can you tell if your baby/child has a cold or an allergy?

In young children, it can be even harder to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy. Here's a clue: if your child experiences the same nasal symptoms every year at the same time (without a fever or marked irritability), it could be a seasonal allergy (allergic rhinitis) rather than a cold. Frequent sneezing, nose rubbing, and watery eyes are also signs to watch for.

If in doubt, your pharmacist can help you assess the situation and refer you to a doctor if allergy testing is necessary.

Are you in doubt? Ask your pharmacist!

Whether you have a cold, an allergy or a combination of both, your pharmacist can help you by suggesting measures/treatments to relieve your symptoms, or by directing you to the right medical resource for help. In some cases, your pharmacist can even prescribe medication for your condition. So, don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.