Cold, flu or allergies: how to tell the difference and treat symptoms

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – As flu season starts in October, many could still be facing typical allergies. So, how do you know if you’re getting sick or just dealing with allergy symptoms?

According to Dr. Vismai Sinha, a family and sports medicine physician at OhioHealth, there are ways to tell the difference between the flu, cold or allergies by paying attention to your symptoms. The flu and colds are caused by viruses, while allergies are brought on from exposure to pollen, animals or even grass or mold. Allergies will stick around for weeks, where colds and flus do not.

“With the flu, it’s going to be a sudden onset of symptoms,” Sinha said. “You’re going to get body aches, chills fevers. … You definitely will not see that with allergies.”

When it comes to treating allergies, it can be a little easier to treat. Sinha recommends starting with an over the counter nasal steroid and possibly pairing it with an antihistamine if symptoms persist. With the cold and flu, Sinha encourages patients use a decongestant and use medication like Tylenol and ibuprofen to treat those body aches, chills and fevers.

“For nasal symptoms, you do want to talk to your doctor about decongestants would be okay for you,” Sinha said. “If you have high blood pressure, they may not recommend that you take decongestants.”

Patients can also get their flu shot and Sinha said this is the best time to get it. The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months and older, according to Sinha. If you come down with a fever, chills or body aches, Sinha urges you to stay home until you feel better and your symptoms go away.

“Do not go to work. … You need to make sure you are fever-free for 24 hours and off of any medicines that might cover up a fever,” Sinha said. “If you are returning and still coughing, I think your fellow person around you would probably appreciate if you do wear a mask.”

Along with staying home if you are sick, Sinha said to always wash your hands before you eat or touch your face.

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