Cold symptoms usually include fever
Allergies usually do not cause fever
Cold symptoms often include body aches
Allergies usually do not cause body aches
Cold symptoms often start gradually
Allergies often start quickly after exposure
Colds often cause thick yellow or green mucus
Allergies usually cause clear, watery mucus
Colds often last 7 to 10 days
Allergies can last as long as you are exposed to the trigger
Colds may cause a sore throat
Allergies may cause itchy eyes, nose, or throat
Colds can cause fatigue
Allergies usually do not cause significant fatigue
Colds are contagious
Allergies are not contagious
Colds often come with coughing
Allergies may cause sneezing and nasal itching more than coughing
Colds are more common in winter
Allergies are more common during specific seasons or around triggers like dust, pollen, or pets