WINTER ALLERGIES

Part 2: Cold or Allergies? 

How can you tell when your cough, runny nose and itchy eyes are from a cold virus or allergies?

Although allergies can share some symptoms with the common cold, there are clues that can help you find the source of your misery and choose the right remedies.

  1. Length of symptoms
    The typical cold doesn’t last for more than 10 days. Allergies on the other hand, can linger for weeks or even months.
  2. Type of symptoms
    Colds and allergies can share common symptoms such as, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, sore throat, and runny nose.  However, it is uncommon to experience fever or body aches with allergies and with a cold, itchy eyes rarely occur.  
  3. Fever or no fever
    A cold can be accompanied by a low-grade fever, whereas allergy symptoms almost never include a fever and the accompanying aches and pains. 

Still not sure?  Visit your doctor for an official diagnosis.   

TIPS for RELIEF 

If you have a cold, you may find relief in over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers.  And don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and get extra rest.   

If you have allergies, on the other hand, you may want to try an over-the-counter antihistamine. And if you know the allergy trigger, try to steer clear.

Adding an air purifier to your bedroom with a HEPA filter designed to trap the most common winter allergens like mold, dust and pet dander has provided many of our customers relief from their allergy symptoms in as little as 48 hours.  We recommend an Alen air purifier with a HEPA-Silver filter  which traps and kills mold and microbes.