Cold or Winter Allergies?
When winter arrives, it brings with it more than just cold weather. It can also bring a host of sniffles, sneezes, itchy eyes, and a sore throat. But is it a cold or winter allergies? To answer this question, let's take a look at the differences between the two.
Cold
A cold is caused by a virus and is most common in the winter months. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a sore throat, coughing, and a fever. Colds usually last for about a week and can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
Winter Allergies
Winter allergies, on the other hand, are caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Symptoms of winter allergies can be similar to those of a cold but may last longer than a week. Other symptoms may include itchy eyes, sinus pressure, headaches, and fatigue. Treatment for winter allergies usually involves avoiding the allergen, taking antihistamines, and using a nasal spray.
To help determine if it's a cold or winter allergies, it's important to pay attention to the symptoms and how long they last. If the symptoms last longer than a week and seem to be triggered by certain allergens, then it is most likely winter allergies.
