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Cold Flu and Allergy Symptoms Know the Difference

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Cold Flu and Allergy Symptoms_Know the Difference

You might be one of the millions who dread the changing seasons because common colds, allergies, and sinus problems can pop up like daisies and dandelions—leaving you sneezing and sniffling. But keeping your family healthy is easy if you start early with the appropriate medicines. Cough drops, nasal sprays, and sore throat sprays can provide immediate relief at the first sign of illness. However, if your symptoms persist, you might be dealing with more serious allergy or sinus problems.

So when the sniffling symptoms hit, how will you know if it's a cold, allergies, or a sinus problem?

First, ask yourself a few questions:

  • How long have you had your cold symptoms? A cold usually lasts about a week to 10 days.
  • Do you have a fever? While allergies might produce symptoms such as a low-grade fever, they are never accompanied by a high fever (more than 102º F or 38.9º C).
  • Do you have a sinus headache? Are you sniffling or congested, or do you feel pressure around the eyes? This could be a sign of sinus problems.

Then, check this list of common symptoms and how frequently they occur with common colds, allergies, and sinus problems, according to experts at the Stanford University Medical Center. Be sure to speak with your doctor about your own symptoms to see if you have allergies or sinus problems.

Common Cold, Flu, and Allergy Symptoms

1. Runny nose/sniffling?
It’s often due to allergies or a cold, and sometimes due to a sinus problem.

2. Sneezing?
It’s often due to allergies, sometimes due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

3. Itchy eyes?
It’s often due to allergies, rarely due to a cold, and sometimes due to a sinus problem.

4. Fever?
Sometimes a low-grade fever is due to allergies, often due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

5. Aches and pains?
They’re sometimes due to allergies, sometimes due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

6. Headache?
It’s sometimes due to allergies and often due to a cold or sinus problem.

7. Cough?
It’s sometimes due to allergies, often due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

8. Dizziness?
It’s sometimes due to allergies, often due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

9. Hoarse?
It’s sometimes due to allergies or a sinus problem, and often due to a cold.

10. Sore throat?
It’s often due to allergies, a cold, or a sinus problem.

11. Sinus pressure?
It’s sometimes due to allergies or a cold, and often due to a sinus problem.

12. Symptoms that reoccur at certain times of the year?
They’re often due to allergies, rarely due to a cold, and sometimes due to a sinus problem.

13. Need antibiotics?
It’s never due to allergies or a cold, but sometimes due to a sinus problem.In relation to warning time, if your symptoms occur after exposure to an allergen, you’re suffering from allergies. If your symptoms get worse over several days, it indicates a cold. If your symptoms get worse and are accompanied by an infection, you probably have a sinus infection.

14. How long do your symptoms last?
If you’re suffering for only as long as you’re exposed to an allergen, it indicates allergies. If your condition lasts a week to 10 days, it’s probably a cold. If it lasts three to four days, it’s probably a sinus problem.

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Source: 1. Stamos E. Nasal Decongestant Study: Vick Rhinorheometer. CRD 71-1. Laurelton Research Institute 1971. 2. P&G internal studies 1997081, 1997082 (1998, 1999). 3. Martindale, The Complete Drug Reference, 35th Edition, page:1414. S0 VICKS VAPORUBN. Reg.No.:34/10.2.1/0019 (Act 101/1965). Each gram contains: Menthol 28,2 mg, Camphor 52,6 mg, Eucalyptus Oil 13,3 mg. Classification: A10.2.1 Inhalants. S0 VICKS HONEY & GINGER COUGH SYRUP. Reg. No.: 34/10.1/0017 (Act 101/1965) Each 15,0 ml Syrup Contains: Guaifenesin 200 mg, Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate 0,1 % m/v Contains alcohol & sugar. Reg. No.: 34/10.1/0017 (Act 101/1965) Classification: A10.1 Antitussives and expectorants. S0 VICKS ACTA PLUS COUGH SYRUP. Reg. No.: F/10.1/75 (Act 101/1965).Each 10 ml Syrup Contains: Pentoxyverine Citrate 15 mg, Glyceryl Guaiacolate 100 mg, Cetylpyridinium Chloride 2.5 mg, Preservative: Sodium Benzoate 0,1 % m/v Contains alcohol & sugar.. Classification: A10.1 Antitussives and expectorants. S0 VICKS INHALER. Reg.No.: G1258 (Act 101/1965) Each 1,0 ml medication for nasal use contains: Levomenthol 415,4 mg, Camphor 415,4 mg, Contains Methyl Salicylate. Classification: A10.2.1 Inhalants. PROCTER & GAMBLE SA TRADING (PTY) LTD, Co. Reg. No.: 1989/004241/07, 15 Alice Lane Towers, Alice Lane, Sandton, Tel: +27 10 001 9650, - APG/001/11/16, FOR FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION REFER TO THE PACKAGE INSERT APPROVED BY THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

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