How to tell the difference between allergies vs a cold - New York Post
This article provides a guide for distinguishing between seasonal allergies, the common cold, and the flu as temperatures drop in the fall. It emphasizes that while symptoms overlap, their causes—viral versus immune response—differ significantly.
Why it matters
Understanding the difference between these conditions helps individuals choose the correct treatment and manage public health during the transition to colder weather.
As fall settles in across the U.S., millions of Americans may find themselves battling seasonal allergies, colds or the flu — illnesses with overlapping symptoms that can be difficult to tell apart. As the season brings chilly temperatures, many people get sick because of the sudden shift from pleasant warmth to cold; this works alongside fall allergies, often worsening both symptoms. ALLERGY SEASON IS WORSE THAN EVER. HERE ARE THE 10 WORST ALLERGY CAPITALS IN THE US FOR 2026 Colds, flu and allergies all affect the respiratory system, making it hard to breathe, especially when multiple illnesses combine. Fall allergies are often triggered by pollen or mold in the air and are not caused by viruses, unlike the cold or flu. When suffering from allergens, the body's immune system reacts to a trigger or allergen, which is something you are allergic to.
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