The Difference Between the Flu and Allergies

Being sick could be sometimes confusing, mostly because it's difficult to sometimes pinpoint what is wrong with you exactly. The time of the year doesn't make it better either, there too many illnesses associated with a runny nose, sore throat, cough and fatigue, the problem is identifying the illness, is it just a cold, the flu or some allergies.

When you arrive at crossroads like this there are a few things you could do to figure out what it is. One of the major advantages of this process is figuring out what medicine you really need, misdiagnoses and drug abuse could be life threatening. It should be noted that the flu and allergies affect the respiratory system.

Flu

The flu is usually caused by a virus, it attacks the entire body and causes it to weaken some of the symptoms are runny, stuffy nose, congestion, cough, high fever, aches, pains, general fatigue and a sore throat. Fevers that result from the flu are normally pretty intense and last for about four days, the sickness most times disappears on its own with little or no medication.

Allergies

Allergies on the other hand are not a viral Illness they deal with the immune system, it occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain allergens, pollens and dander’s found in animals and plants. When certain substances we are allergic to is breathed in, it could cause our delicate nose cells to swell blocking the air way. Allergies could come along with itchy and watery eyes. This doesn't normally occur when dealing with the flu.

Another major difference between the flu and allergies is that allergies last as long as the you are exposed to the allergens, while the flu rarely exceeds a two week. After two weeks if you are still sick it means that you need to see a doctor.

Time of The Year

The time of the year matters too to a large extent. The time of the year dictates the concentration of microorganisms, bacteria, pollen, etc. in the air. There are times in the year when the flu is rampant, it’s often referred to as it’s season. Pollens mole spores from trees and plants fill the air for about two months every year, it could be the cause of some serious allergic reactions. The flu affects most people and as we have earlier established, it can be cured without medicine. Allergies on the other hands are dependent on drugs like antihistamines and the concentration of pollen and mold spores in the air, as long as you are exposed to them, you will remain sick.

It can be often problematic at times identifying these illness, it’s always best to know if you are infecting the entire family with a viral illness or suffering from allergies. Here are a few tips to further identify and place the difference.

1. Determine how long it lasts.

2. Check the time of the year.

3. When it starts

4. Does it spread

5. Is the fever intense.