Is it just allergies? A cold? Not the flu!

As we approach the flu season, chances are you, your co-workers or family members will begin sneezing, wheezing or coughing. How can you tell when it’s a cold, allergies or the flu?

Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh says that during the spring and fall, it can be difficult to discern what is an allergy symptom versus what is a viral upper respiratory illness that is getting passed around.

“It is important to people to make the distinction, somewhat for themselves, and for the people around them,” says Tosh. “If it is a viral respiratory infection, it is important to avoid being around other people and not showing up for work.”

Tosh says there are a few things you can do to tell if you have an allergy or possible viral respiratory infection. “Allergies should not come along with a fever. If you have a runny nose, cough and sneezing along with a fever, it’s probably a viral upper respiratory infection. However, if you have itchy eyes, sneezing and reactions when you go outside or enter a building, it’s probably an allergy.”