The difference between the common cold and allergies

By Negeen Amirieh

Cold vs. Allergies

Caused by hundred of viruses	Caused by overactive immune system
3-14 days	Days to months — as long as you are exposed to the allergen
Most often in the winter, but possible at any time	Any time of the year — although the appearance of some allergens are seasonal
Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus	Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen
Cold symptoms rarely include itchy eyes, which are common allergy symptoms	Allergy symptoms almost never cause general aches and pains or fever.