Is it Flu, Allergies or the Common Cold?
Know the Symptoms for Colds, Influenza and Allergic Rhinitis
Sep 25, 2009
As the leaves begin to change color and the temperatures turn cooler, the number of cases of flu, allergies and colds increases. It is important to know the differences between these common illnesses to begin appropriate treatment and head toward recovery.
What is the Common Cold?
The common cold is sometimes referred to as a viral upper respiratory infection. Over 200 viruses have been identified as causing the cold. New viruses are constantly developing so the body is unable to build up a resistance to all viruses that cause colds. Cold viruses are generally spread through hand to hand contact. These viruses can live on surfaces such as pencils, computers and phones for several hours.
What are the Symptoms of the Common Cold
Cold symptoms often appear one at a time. Sufferers may experience a sore throat one day, a runny nose the next day followed by cough and congestion. There may be a yellow mucous discharge which could indicate an infection. Fever may be present as a cold symptom.
How Do I Know if I Have Allergies?
An allergy is the body's over-response to a substance that is normally harmless. When an allergic person comes in contact with their allergen, the body begins to create histamine which will lead to a variety of allergic symptoms. Common environmental allergens include:
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms tend to start all at once. Sneezing (often multiple times in a row), runny nose, itchy water eyes may all occur with allergies. Nasal discharge is usually clear, thin and watery. Fever is not typically associated with allergies.
What is Influenza?
Flu, or influenza, is caused by the Influenza A or B virus. This is a respiratory illness, not a gastrointestinal illness. The term "stomach flu" is technically not a flu, but rather gastroenteritis which causes abdominal cramps, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. The swine flu is a flu strain that normally affects pigs. A new strain of swine flu, also called H1N1, has begun to infect humans.
The influenza virus enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes and gets into the respiratory tract where it makes its way into the bloodstream.
Symptoms of Influenza
Flu symptoms come on so suddenly that people often know exactly when the flu began for them. Symptoms of the flu are similar to the common cold, although the onset is more sudden and the symptoms are more severe. Expect fever (sometimes quite high), coughing, sneezing, body aches, fatigue, runny nose or congested nasal passages, headache or weakness.
What to Do if Feeling Sick
Doctors can do a test to determine if a patient has the flu. Testing should be performed soon after symptoms begin and may be helpful in identifying need for anti-viral medication. Flu symptoms generally last 2-10 days. The common cold lasts 2-14 days with most people feeling better in about one week. Allergies last as long as the allergen is present, which depending upon the allergen, could be year-round. An allergist can perform skin tests to check for allergies.
Be it flu, a cold or even allergies, the old stand-by remedies of rest, plenty of fluids and some chicken soup still hold true. If necessary, contact a doctor for further instructions or diagnosis.
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