Cold vs. Allergy: How Do I Know the Difference?
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Symptoms
|
Allergy
|
Cold
|
|
Stuffy or runny nose
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Sneezing
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Itchy eyes
|
Often
|
Rarely, never
|
|
Fever
|
Never
|
Often
|
|
Aches and pains
|
Never
|
Sometimes
|
|
Headache
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Cough
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Dizziness
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Hoarseness
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Recur at a certain time of year
|
Often
|
Rarely
|
|
Need for antibiotics
|
No
|
No
|
|
Warning time
|
Symptoms occur after exposure to allergen
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Gets worse over several days
|
|
How long it lasts
|
As long as your child is exposed to the allergen
|
Usually three to 14 days
|
Online Medical Reviewer:
Fincannon, Joy, RN, MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Haines, Cynthia, M.D.
Last Review Date:
7/1/2012
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