This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
Published on July 8, 2020, a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that an adult should expect to have at least 2-3 colds a year, while children may experience even more.
Despite this, many people struggle to distinguish between a cold and an allergy. In fact, allergies are more common and can be triggered by almost anything, making it essential to know the difference.
One of the primary ways to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy is by looking at the duration of the symptoms. A cold typically develops over a day or two, with symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and a sore throat. In contrast, an allergy can cause instant symptoms, such as sneezing and a runny nose, often triggered by specific allergens like dust, pollens, or perfumes.
Another key difference is the predictability of allergies. Allergies tend to occur at the same time every year, often in response to specific triggers. In contrast, colds are less predictable and can occur at any time of the year.
Additionally, allergies are not contagious, whereas colds are. This means that if you have an allergy, you won't be able to pass it on to others, but if you have a cold, you may be able to transmit it to those around you.
It's worth noting that while colds are generally not a cause for concern and will typically resolve on their own within two weeks, allergies can persist for longer periods of time, often lasting for a month or more.
