There’s so much excitement around the changing of seasons. New decorations are pulled out, houses are cleaned in anticipation of guests, and recipes are shared in preparation for fancy holiday dinners. But with all the excitement also comes a few downsides. The changing weather means weakened immune systems and an abundance of viruses that spread more easily in lower temperatures.
It’s important to recognize when it may just be allergies, or when your body may need a little more to recover and it’s something more serious like a cold or even the flu.
How to tell the difference Colds and the flu are caused by viruses. The key to determining when it’s a cold or the flu is if your runny nose and congestion are accompanied by general body aches, fatigue, a fever, and a cough. These cold symptoms will not improve with allergy medications.
Allergies are different from a cold or flu in that it is the body’s response to something in the environment like dust or pollen. If you have symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, post nasal drip, sneezing, and itchy eyes or nose, it may be look similar to a cold or flu but this is actually caused by allergies. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months, depending on the cause, and will improve with allergy medications that help control the symptoms.
How long they last Colds generally last about around two weeks, with the first three to four days being the worst. The cough that sometimes comes with the cold may linger even longer. The flu will usually last five to 10 days without treatment.
How long allergy symptoms last depends on the environment. If the allergies are caused by pollen, allergies could last an entire season if they aren’t treated. If they are caused by mold or dust, then allergies will correlate with exposure.
Tips for prevention Hand-washing is one of the best things you can do to prevent the transmission of viruses that may cause colds or the flu. Hand sanitizer is also a good idea. Hand-washing should be done before eating, after coughing or blowing your nose, and if you come in contact with anyone who is ill. Be sure to get a flu vaccination to protect you and your loved ones. These viruses can spread in classrooms on hard surfaces like tables, doors, and chairs. Even highchairs at restaurants or grocery carts can be covered with contagious viruses.
Allergies are not contagious, even though they may affect multiple people in the same house or family. If allergies are related to environmental pollens, there is little that can be done. If they are related to dust, mold, or pet dander, then air purifiers, environmental cleanliness, and pet avoidance can help.
Best steps for treatment Take good care of you or your kids when you get a cold or the flu. Hydrate with plenty of water, eat a nutritious balanced diet, and get plenty of rest. Some over-the-counter medications may help with symptoms (if age appropriate) but will not cure the virus. Nasal saline can help to keep mucus flowing and can help to alleviate congestion and prevent sinus pressure. For the very young, suctioning to remove nasal mucus can help provide comfort and can help to minimize back flow of mucus that is often the cause for cough.
Allergies have over-the-counter medications that can help with symptoms. Colds and the flu will generally run their course with time and no treatment. There are some medications for the flu that can help decrease how severe they are and how long they last.
When you should see a doctor Baylor Scott & White recommends children be seen by their pediatrician if they have a fever for 24 to 48 hours or if there is a concern for secondary infection like an ear infection, sinus infection, or pneumonia. Parents should be concerned about secondary infections if the child has symptoms that are improving and then worsen, last longer than seven days, or if the child complains of ear pain.
As always, if you are confused about something or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your family medicine provider or your child’s pediatrician.
