Allergy, Cold or Flu? Similar Symptoms Can Point to Different Causes

As autumn brings cooler temperatures, sneezing, a runny nose, coughing and congestion can leave people wondering whether they have a seasonal allergy, a cold or the flu. Although these conditions share symptoms, their causes and typical patterns differ.

Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to airborne triggers such as pollen or mould. Itchy eyes, an itchy nose and repeated sneezing can be useful clues. Allergies do not cause fever and may persist while exposure to the trigger continues.

A cold is a viral infection that often develops gradually, with a sore throat, runny or blocked nose and cough. General discomfort can occur, but symptoms are usually milder than those associated with flu.

Flu is also caused by a virus, but it typically begins more suddenly. Fever, chills, muscle aches and marked tiredness are more common, often alongside a cough. Not everyone with flu develops a fever, however.

Symptoms alone cannot always establish the cause. Unlike allergies, colds and flu can spread between people. Anyone with difficulty breathing, chest pain or worsening symptoms should seek medical care, while those at higher risk of flu complications should seek advice promptly.