Not sure if it’s a cold or allergies? Here are some tips to help tell the difference between cold and allergy symptoms.

First of all, a virus is the culprit if it’s a cold. An allergic reaction, on the other hand, is your immune system’s response to an irritant or allergen that causes the release of histamines. But the symptoms can be quite similar. And it’s interesting to note that folks with allergies can be more likely to catch colds.

One important difference is that colds can be passed to others through virus-laden moisture when we cough or sneeze. Thankfully, allergies aren’t communicable in that way, although we can inherit them from our parents. In fact, if you have a parent with an allergy, the odds are 1 in 3 that you’ll have it, too. And those odds rise to 7 in 10 if it’s both parents.

A distinctive clue that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction can be itchy eyes and a rash. These conditions are not typically associated with the common cold. When it comes to identifying the cause of an allergy, the choices are wide and may need to be confirmed by your doctor. Causes can include animal dander or saliva, mold, dust mites, pollen and certain foods.

Is It Seasonal?

Colds often occur mainly in the winter. But allergies usually pop up in spring, summer and fall. That said, in-home causes of allergies like dust mites, mold and pet dander can be even more prominent in the winter when your house is closed up for longer periods of time. A clue to an allergy is if the same symptoms appear at the same time each year.

You can find a few winter health tips here. 

How Long Does It Last?

Colds can persist from three days to two weeks. But allergy symptoms can last for weeks or an entire season, as long you’re exposed to the irritant. If cold symptoms remain longer or become severe, you should check with your physician to determine if you have something like bronchitis, a sinus infection, asthma or pneumonia that should be treated.

What Color Is It?

Sounds a bit yucky, but the color of mucus can be a differentiator. Clear usually means an allergy, while yellow or green may indicate a cold or infection.

Is It Getting Warm?

This one is pretty simple. If there’s a fever or body ache, it’s most likely a cold or other infection.

How to know if you’re sick or have allergies comes down to understanding the differences and carefully observing the appropriate warning signs for each one. Although the experience can often seem similar, we’ve reviewed several ways to tell them apart.

When in doubt, see your doctor. And be familiar with the coverages provided under your health insurance plan for office visits, specialist referrals and medications.