This time of year, it seems like everyone is coming down with a case of the sniffles, and it can be so hard to tell what might be causing them: allergies or something else. Fall is a peak time for many people with seasonal allergies, but it’s also the beginning of cold and flu season. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between allergies and the flu, what causes them, and when to see a doctor.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are your body’s immune response to things it thinks are trying to harm you. While you want a robust immune system response if you have an illness, it’s not so great when your body thinks something like pollen or pet dander is a dangerous threat. When interacting with the allergen, your body produces antibodies, which causes your cells to release chemicals like histamine. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing or itching all the way up to severe, life threatening symptoms like anaphylaxis. Many people in South Georgia experience seasonal allergies in the fall to ragweed, although there can be other causes.
What Causes the Flu?
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a viral illness. It is caused by a non-living virus that, once you’ve come into contact with it, invades your body and makes you sick. Because the flu is caused by a virus, instead of bacteria, it can’t be treated with antibiotics.
There are several different strains of the flu, and not everyone with the flu will get extremely sick. Some people may get the flu and recover very quickly, while others may have a more severe reaction.
Allergies vs. Flu Symptom Comparison
While some of the symptoms of allergies and the flu can overlap, there are some distinct differences. Take a look at the common symptoms below:
| Symptoms | Flu | Allergies |
| Fever | Common | Never |
| Headache | Common | Uncommon |
| Body Aches | Common | Never |
| Fatigue | Common | Never |
| Stuffy/Runny Nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Common | Sometimes |
| Shortness of Breath | Rare | Rare unless you have allergic asthma |
When to Visit a Doctor
While most healthy adults can treat both flu or allergy symptoms at home, there are situations where you may need to see a doctor for either condition.
If you suspect you or your loved one has the flu, it might be time to see a doctor if:
- You or your loved one is in a high-risk group (pregnant, older adult, young child, or someone with asthma or diabetes). Antiviral medications are most effective when started within two days of noticing symptoms.
- You or your loved one has a fever over 101°F that does not go down with fever reducing medication like Tylenol.
- Symptoms get better for a few days but then return or get worse.
- Symptoms last more than 7-10 days without getting better.
If you suspect you or your loved one has allergies, it might be time to see a doctor if:
- Your symptoms have gotten worse over time.
- Seasonal allergies are frequently causing sinus infections or making it difficult to breathe.
- You also have asthma.
- You have been congested, sneezing, wheezing, etc. for weeks on end or across multiple seasons.
- Your quality of life is affected.
- Over-the-counter medication options aren’t giving you relief.