Colds vs. Allergies
Many people may not realize they have allergies, often attributing their congestion and runny nose to a cold. Left untreated, allergies can cause more serious conditions like sinusitis or ear infections. It is important to decipher between allergies and colds.
	Allergies	Colds
Symptoms	Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, watery and itchy eyes.	Can include fever and aches and pains along with allergy symptoms.
Warning Time	Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to allergen(s).	Usually takes a few days to hit full force.
Duration	Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen and beyond, until the reaction triggered by the allergen ends. If the allergen is present year-round, symptoms may be chronic.	Symptoms should clear up within several days to a week.