Are The Symptoms Of Allergy And Flu Same Or Do They Have Some Differences
Headache, muscle aches, loss of energy, abdominal cramps and upset stomach are all symptoms of fever and flu however, sometimes, they also indicate an allergy known as Allergic Rhinitis. Most of the people experience flu not more than twice or thrice a year, but if you are encountering these symptoms frequently, then chances are high that you might be suffering from allergy. Let us now look into different ailments and what their symptoms generally indicate an allergy or just flu?
Fever: Fever is a common symptom of influenza and usually is sudden in onset. The temperature generally ranges between 102-106 degrees Fahrenheit. Often adults run low temperature than children. Body aches is another symptom that accompanies flu.
However, the major difference here is that the fever which is associated with allergy doesnt have that sudden onset and the body`s temperature seldom rises in allergy fever unlike seen in flu.
Nausea & Vomiting: These are the common symptoms of food allergies which often leads to some gastrointestinal symptoms. Food allergies to certain food items like dairy products, eggs, wheat etc. leads to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea is another symptom that only crops up with allergy and not flu.
If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly when exposed to certain food items, then its probably allergy to some type of food.
Can I Prevent Myself From Getting Allergy Symptoms
In terms of preventing allergic reactions, the first step is to find out what youre allergic to. Doctors who specialize in allergy and immunology can help patients discover what might be causing their specific allergies with skin, patch, and blood tests. For example, sometimes its difficult to know if your allergy trigger is pollen, pets, mold spores, or a combination of different triggers. Once you have an understanding of your allergy trigger, its best to avoid contact with them as much as possible. Depending on the category of allergy that you have, you may want to try the following:
Ways To Manage Your Weather Allergies
While you cant prevent allergies or control the weather, you can take steps to help manage your symptoms. Whenever possible, avoid exposure to your allergens. Check your local news for daily pollen counts, and schedule outdoor activities when levels are lower. Monitor the weather to keep track of triggers, such as rain or wind. Wear a mask when working outdoors, and wash your clothes once you get back inside.
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How To Tell If Your Symptoms Are Due To Allergies
If you think you have allergies, its a good idea to make an appointment with an allergist/immunologist, the type of doctor who treats these conditions. My patients commonly tell me that they didnt realize how miserable their symptoms were until they started medications that allowed them to breathe easier with less congestion or have an improved sense of smell, says Dr. Hui.
To diagnose a patient, the first thing we want to gather is the history so we have a clear understanding of how you feel and what your goals are for this visit, explains Dr. Hui. She asks questions like: What are you experiencing? How long has this been going on? What makes it better or worse? Have you tried anything to treat your symptoms?
Based on the information gathered from talking with you and performing a physical exam, we can actually provide some treatment options without further testing, says Dr. Hui. However, we often do pursue the allergy testing route, as this gives us more specifics.
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Whats Making You Sniffle And Sneeze
Youâre sneezing and sniffling, and you feel crummy. Allergies may be your first thought, especially if you have a history of them. An allergy is when your immune system reacts to something harmless, like pollen or pet dander, as if it were a threat. Your body releases chemicals called histamines, which cause things like sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. But allergies arent the only condition that can create these symptoms.
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What Causes Cough And Why
A cough is a very natural response of our body to the irritation in lung airways or even the throat. In other words, cough is a defense action or mechanism of our body to put the unwanted stuff from the lung airways and throat such as mucus, pollen, food, or any irritants.
Allergy can also trigger cough because our immune system activates itself against substances like pollen or mold by coughing. Whenever our body is exposed to any allergens in the air, the immune system will try to remove the allergen from the lung airways through coughing. However mucus or postnasal dripping often causes cough during an allergic reaction to any substance or allergen.
Do You Have A Cold Or Allergies
WebMD Feature
Do you know how to tell the difference between a cold and allergies? Are you sure?
It’s easy to get them confused. Just ask Paul Ehrlich, MD, a professor of pediatrics at New York University. He’d been an allergist for years when he came down with what he thought was a cold. “I’d had a watery, runny nose for several days when one of my patients took a look at me and said, ‘Oh, you have allergies, too!'” Ehrlich says.
He’d never had allergies before, but a checkup with another doctor confirmed that the patient was right. “Turns out I was allergic to birch trees, which were in bloom at the time,” he says.
A cold is an infection caused by a virus. Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to a substance like pollen or pet dander. Because the two conditions cause similar symptoms, like sniffles and stuffiness, many people get them mixed up. Knowing which is which can help you get the right treatment, and that will help you feel better faster.
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Can Allergies Feel Like The Flu
Ah, allergiesyou know the feeling all too well. Or so you think. Because during flu season, you might start questioning whether something more seriouslike influenzacould be causing your symptoms. Can allergies feel like the flu? And if so, how do you tell these two conditions apart? Weve got the answers you need.
Treatment Depends Upon The Allergy But May Contain:
- Antihistamines
- Preventing known allergens, such as certain foods or drugs
- Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation in the nose
- Immunotherapy, for example, allergy shots or pills
- Regularly cleaning bedding, flooring, and other surfaces to Decrease the Number of dust mites, mold, and pet dander
- Staying indoors during high pollen counts
- Wearing a facial mask when about pollen or other allergens
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How To Tell The Difference
Sneezing, sniffling and that tickle in your throat can cause extra anxiety these days. With continuing news of COVID-19, high amounts of pollen in the air, and cold and flu season still lingering, experts urge us to stay calm and not assume the worst if we develop symptoms.
Allergies, colds and the flu are very common this time of year. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, start by asking yourself the following questions to help you assess the situation and figure out next steps.
If you do end up making an appointment with your doctor, consider asking if telehealth is an option. Virtual visits via telehealth let you get quality care over the phone or video chat. Learn more about how to use telehealth and see your care-on-demand options.
Living With Allergic Rhinitis
Living with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can affect your daily life. Nasal symptoms can be worse when lying down. This can disturb your ability to sleep well. Fatigue and headaches can affect your ability to function at school and work. There are many medicines and treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor as soon as you feel that your symptoms are getting worse or are not easy to control. He or she can help you come up with the right plan to control them so they dont affect your ability to live your normal life.
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What Are Colds And Allergies
They have different causes. You get a cold when a tiny living thing called a virus gets into your body. There are hundreds of different types that can get you sick.
Once a cold virus gets inside you, your immune system, the body’s defense against germs, launches a counter-attack. It’s this response that brings on the classic symptoms like a cough or stuffed up nose.
The viruses that cause colds are contagious. You can pick them up when someone who’s infected sneezes, coughs, or shakes hands with you. After a couple of weeks, at the most, your immune system fights off the illness and you should stop having symptoms.
It’s a different story with allergies. They’re caused by an overactive immune system. For some reason, your body mistakes harmless things, such as dust or pollen, for germs and mounts an attack on them.
When that happens, your body releases chemicals such as histamine, just as it does when fighting a cold. This can cause a swelling in the passageways of your nose, and you’ll start sneezing and coughing.
Unlike colds, allergies aren’t contagious, though some people may inherit a tendency to get them.
Is It Allergies Or The Flu
Cold weather is here! Cooler temperatures fill the air. The change in season also brings illnesses that cause the eyes to water, itch, and become puffy. Soon sniffles, sneezes, and sore throats develop. Are these allergies or is this the flu? Knowing the key differences will help in deciding the best treatment.
What causes allergies and flu?
Allergies are the bodys response to allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, cigarette smoke, or food. Allergies are not contagious and are not caused by a virus. The flu is contagious and is caused by a virus.
What are the symptoms of allergies and flu?
Allergies occur commonly during the spring through the fall seasons. Symptoms last as long as there is an exposure to the allergen. These symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, and congestion. Allergies may cause mucus that is clear and thin. Other symptoms are itchy, watery, and puffy eyes. In some cases, a rash or hives develop. Allergies do not cause a fever.
The flu causes fever with temperatures of 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of the flu include chills, cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, headaches, severe muscle or body aches and pains, and fatigue. Other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children. Flu symptoms occur during the flu season, which is from October through May. On average, flu symptoms last 1-4 days.
What are the treatments for allergies and flu?
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Can Allergies Cause Illness
Allergies dont cause a fever.
Suppose someone is suffering from a fever alongside allergic Symptoms, like a runny or stuffy nose. In that case, the probable cause is sinus disease.
Furthermore, hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, doesnt Cause an individual to have a fever. Allergic rhinitis occurs due to triggers from the environment, such as mold, pollen, and pet dander.
Although allergic rhinitis doesnt cause a fever, folks who have allergic rhinitis or asthma are more likely to develop chronic sinus infections, which may result in a fever.
Some symptoms of colds and allergies will be the same, like a Runny nose and coughing. But, as stated by the National Institutes of Health, allergies shouldnt trigger fever.
Allergy symptoms happen when an Individuals immune system Overreacts and attempts to fight off a benign substance, such as pollen or pet dander. These chemicals then activate an inflammatory immune system response.
Cold and flu symptoms are brought on by viruses that affect the respiratory system. These viruses attack the body, inducing the immune system to work overtime to maintain the damaging virus.
It is normal to develop a cold once the weather changes. However, should you suffer from allergies, it can be tricky to understand if your nose is stuffy due to the pollen from the atmosphere or the germs in your blood. Luckily, there is an effortless way to tell. Allergies cant result in a fever.
Sinus Infection Outlook And Recovery
Acute sinusitis usually goes away within one to two weeks with proper care and medication. Chronic sinusitis is more severe and may require seeing a specialist or having long-term treatment to address the cause of the constant infections.
Chronic sinusitis can last for three or more months. Good hygiene, keeping your sinuses moist and clear, and treating symptoms immediately can help shorten the course of the infection.
Many treatments and procedures exist for both acute and chronic cases. Even if you experience multiple acute episodes or chronic sinusitis, seeing a doctor or specialist can greatly improve your outlook after these infections.
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Role Of The Immune System
The immune system is vital for fighting diseases. Any Microorganism that enters your body triggers your immune system to fight off it.
White blood cells are the cells responsible for maintaining your body free of ailments. If the cells are reduced in amount, your immune system is insufficient in fighting microorganisms, making you vulnerable to infections.
Thus, a robust immune system is crucial for your prevention and fighting from ailments. A robust immune system is usually accomplished by appropriate exercise and diet.
Some foods proven to enhance your immune system which you should incorporate into your daily diet include garlic, broccoli, spinach, almonds, citrus fruits, et cetera.
In specific individuals, the immune system Might Be too feeble to fight off ailments. So its perceived in people with chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDs.
It is the reason why individuals living with HIV/AIDs, as an example, are susceptible to fungal infections such as tuberculosis and bacterial infections such as candidiasis. It is because, along with the immune system being insufficient to fight diseases, it may be hyperactive.
If your immune system is hyperactive, it responds to overseas Chemicals within your body or encircling. That is why some people today react to foods, such as peanuts, which dont influence other men and women.
In the same way, some people today respond to environmental chemicals such as pollen or cold, which isnt seen in different individuals.
What Is The Prognosis
Fevers tend to be quick answers to a disease or other cause. When the underlying cause, like a cold or influenza, is drugged, the fever must vanish.
When an allergy often seems to contribute to a bacterial Disease, preventing contact with these allergens is the very best bet to remain healthy.
If allergy shots assist you, do not skip another one only. You have gone through a couple of pollen seasons without any symptoms. Bear in mind that the allergy shot is most likely the thing that is keeping you free of symptoms.
Suppose your allergy is to dust, certain foods, or animal dander. In that case, you might want to make alterations in your home environment and way of life. If pollen is your offender, pay careful attention to air quality reports and predictions for your area.
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What Medications Relieve Nasal Congestion Sneezing And A Runny Nose
Nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose are common symptoms of a cold caused by a virus. The viruses that cause colds induce inflammation that increases the leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the lining of the nose and even into the nose. This causes swelling of the lining of the nose, obstructing the flow of air, and a runny nose.
Symptoms of hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, are caused by allergens. Allergens are tiny particles that cause cells in the lining of the nose and the airways of the lungs to release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine and these other chemicals are responsible for the leakage of fluid, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion, as well as the itching of the eyes.
For short-term relief of nasal congestion in older children and adults, nasal decongestants can be used. Nasal decongestants are chemicals that narrow the blood vessels in the nose, thereby preventing fluid from leaking and the lining from swelling. As a result, the lining shrinks and the nasal passages open. Nasal decongestants can be used topically within the nose or can be taken orally . Topical nasal decongestants act faster than the oral decongestants but have a shorter duration of action. Thus, more frequent dosing will be necessary. Oral nasal decongestants frequently are combined with an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, or an analgesic in treating cold/flu/allergy symptoms.
What Are The Causes
Hay fever occurs when natural allergens enter the body and cause an allergic response.
Some people with hay fever develop sensitivities because of over-exposure or recurrent exposure to an allergen. Many others are born with sensitivities, or have conditions that increase the likelihood of sensitivities developing.
Seasonal hay fever tends to be caused by a different group of allergens from those that cause perennial hay fever, though some people experience both conditions.
Any foreign material can cause an allergic response. While most people are only sensitive to one allergen, others are sensitive to several, and these allergens are usually related.
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The Difference In Duration Of Symptoms
Typically, a cold lasts for around seven to 10 days, with the most severe symptoms beginning to improve after a few days. Allergies, however, if left untreated, will cause symptoms for as long as the allergen is present. So, if your cough doesnt start to get better after a week, your symptoms may not be caused by a cold.
Asthma, on the other hand, can come and go quickly. Attacks may come on suddenly and subside quickly. Mild episodes may last for minutes, but more serious attacks can last for days.
