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Is it a summer cold or an allergy?
Because the symptoms are often the same – sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat – people who come down with a summer cold often aren't sure if what they're experiencing isn't actually a seasonal allergy.
The best way to differentiate is to examine the symptoms.
Generally speaking, the symptoms of a cold often appear one at a time, and last for seven to 10 days.
On the other hand, symptoms associated with seasonal allergies usually occur all at once and continue as long as a person is exposed to the allergy-causing agent.
Still not sure? Look at your nose and eyes – a yellowish nasal discharge and lots of sneezing point to a cold, whereas clear, watery discharge and less sneezing point to seasonal allergies.
For the latest on flu jabs and cold remedies, visit the Cold & Flu Centre.
