We have sprung into spring! Flowers and trees are beginning to bud and we should be feeling great, but some of us aren’t. If you are one of these folks, you may be experiencing seasonal allergies, or are you?
Allergies, colds and the flu are often hard to tell apart because they share many similar symptoms. It is knowing the differences in the symptoms that will help you when seeking treatment.
Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses and the symptoms associated with the flu are often more severe. Allergies are different because they are not caused by a virus. It is your body’s immune system reacting to an allergen that you are allergic to such as pollen or pet dander.
This chart can help you determine whether you have seasonal allergies, a cold or the flu:
| Common Cold | Influenza | Seasonal Allergies | |
| Stuffy or runny nose | Yes | Sometimes | Runny, itchy nose |
| Fever | Sometimes; mild if present | Usually, often 100 degrees F (38.8 degrees C) or higher. | No |
| Body Aches | Mild | Mild to severe | No |
| Chills | Sometimes | Yes, sometimes intense | No |
| Sore Throat | Often | Sometimes | Itchy or tickling throat |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usually, can last a couple of weeks after recovery | Rarely |
| Feeling extremely exhausted | No | Yes | No |
| Headache | Sometimes | Usually, sometimes severe | Sinus pressure or stuffiness |
| Sinus drainage | Usually | Rarely | Often |
| Diarrhea, Vomiting | No | Sometimes | No |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Usually, can become severe | Dry or with minimal mucus |
| Watering eyes | Sometimes | Sometimes, with fever | Itchy swollen, burning, and/or watery eyes |
| Ears | Ear congestion | No | Ear congestion or popping |
| Sneezing | Usually | Sometimes | Yes |
| Timing | Anytime throughout the year | Most cases occur between October and May. | Anytime, but symptoms are often more intense in the fall and spring seasons. |
If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above and would like to make an appointment to see a physician, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.