Colds vs. Allergies

Allergies

Because the symptoms of colds and allergies are often similar, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Despite some overlapping symptoms, the causes are very different.

Causes of Colds

Colds are caused by more than 200 different viruses that can be picked up from various places (such as other people, money, doorknobs, food, etc.). Once the cold virus enters the body, the immune system kicks its defenses into overdrive, causing the body to release different chemicals which result in typical symptoms associated with the common cold.

Causes of Allergies

Unlike colds, allergies are not caused by viruses. Rather, they result from an overactive immune system that identifies harmless substances such as pollen, pet dander, pet hair, or dust as potential threats in some individuals. In this case, the body releases different chemicals to fight the allergy than it would a cold.

Despite the different mechanism, the symptoms associated with allergies are often similar to that of the common cold. For instance, nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose are symptoms of both a cold and allergies. Allergies often lead to itchy, watery eyes, something that does not often happen with a cold. Colds are often accompanied by coughing and a sore throat, symptoms not usually associated with allergies. It’s important to know the difference between the common cold and allergies so you treat the problem correctly.

Check out the differences between cold and allergies below.

Characteristic	Cold	Allergy
Duration	Usually 3-14 days	Days to months for seasonal Often everyday for perennial
Time of Year	Most often in the winter, but possible at any time	All year, some seasonal
Onset of symptoms	Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus.	Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen

Characteristic

Cold

Allergy

Duration

Usually 3-14 days

Days to months for seasonal

Often everyday for perennial

Time of Year

Most often in the winter, but possible at any time

All year, some seasonal

Onset of symptoms

Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus.

Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen

Symptom	Cold	Allergy
Cough	Common	Sometimes
General Aches and pains	Slight	Never
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes	Sometimes
Itchy eyes	Rare or never	Common
Sneezing	Usual	Usual
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes
Runny nose	Common	Common
Stuffy Nose	Common	Common
Fever	Rare	Never

Follow Advil

Follow Children's Advil

Sign up and Save up to $3

Sign up and receive coupons in your inbox instantly! You'll also receive tips and resources for managing your pain, product news, and other exclusive offers from Advil. Sign up now!

First Name*

Email*

* indicates required field.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) collecting my Consumer Health Data. Continue reading...I understand that my Consumer Health Data may be used by Haleon as described in our Washington Consumer Health Data Notice, where I can find the categories of data collected, the purposes of collection, and with whom we may share your information. I understand that if I choose not to consent to Haleon’s collection of my Consumer Health Data, I may not be able to receive certain marketing or informational materials or other forms of communication directly from Haleon or participate in surveys and focus groups. I further understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

I consent to the Haleon group of companies and brands (“Haleon”) sharing my Consumer Health Data with third parties continue reading... as described in the Washington Consumer Health Data Notice. I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time as described in the Haleon Washington Consumer Health Data Notice or the Haleon Privacy Notice.

By Signing up for Advil newsletters, You are certifying you are 18 years of age and older.

Thank you for signing up!Check your email to redeem your coupon.

Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies.

PM-US-ADV-21-00474