Sniffling this season? Learn the key differences between cold vs. flu vs. allergy symptoms — and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Published: November 28, 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

It seems like everyone is sniffling this time of year. During fall and winter, upper respiratory infections and persistent coughs become increasingly common. Whether you’re a busy parent or a working professional trying to power through symptoms, knowing what’s making you feel sick matters: The right answer can help you recover faster and protect those around you.

Cold, flu and allergy symptoms can look surprisingly similar. Understanding the main differences can help you make informed decisions about when to rest at home, grab over-the-counter relief or visit an urgent care option or your primary care provider.

“These conditions often share similar symptoms, which can make them difficult to distinguish at first,” said Monalisa M. Tailor, M.D., internal medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “Paying attention to how your symptoms develop and progress is important in determining the right treatment approach.”

Comparing the symptoms: Cold vs. flu vs. allergies

Here’s a quick guide to help identify what might be causing your symptoms:

Cold

Colds typically develop gradually over a day or two. You might notice a scratchy throat first, followed by a stuffy or runny nose with discharge. Coughing is common, and you may feel mildly fatigued. Fever is possible but usually mild if one develops. Most colds run their course in seven to 10 days with rest and fluids. Because colds are caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help. The best treatment for viral illnesses is to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Flu

The flu hits suddenly and intensely. One moment you feel fine, the next you’re dealing with a high fever (often between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit) along with significant body aches, headache and a persistent dry cough. Fatigue can be severe, sometimes keeping you in bed for days. Unlike a cold, flu symptoms demand more attention.

“If you think you have the flu, you might feel like you got hit by a truck. It is important to promptly contact your provider, visit an urgent care center or do an at-home flu test,” Dr. Tailor said. “If your flu is diagnosed within the first 72 hours of those symptoms, an antiviral medication like Tamiflu can be prescribed to shorten its duration and lessen severity.”

A good rule of thumb when it comes to the flu: You should be fever-free for a full 24 hours before returning to work or school.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies develop in response to environmental triggers like pollen, grass or mold. In the wintertime, the most common allergen is mold. Common symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, clear to yellow nasal drainage, sneezing and sometimes an irritated throat, especially in the morning after postnasal drip overnight. You won’t have a fever or body aches with allergies alone, and symptoms persist as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.

Preventing sinus infections

Allergies and colds can trigger sinus infections, because congestion can create a breeding ground for bacteria. It is important to treat allergy and cold symptoms to prevent the development of a sinus infection.

Whether you have a cold, flu or allergies, antibiotics don’t help treat these conditions most of the time. Over-the-counter medications, like nasal sprays, oral antihistamines and eye drops, can help relieve your symptoms. If you’re experiencing allergies, try to limit your exposure to your known triggers.

Here’s a symptom checklist to help you determine whether you have a cold, flu, allergies or sinus infection.

When to seek medical care

Most colds and allergy symptoms can be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays. However, you should see a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms last longer than 10 days or worsen after initially improving.
• You develop a high fever, especially with body aches and severe fatigue.
• You experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.
• You suspect the flu, and it’s been less than 72 hours since symptoms started — antiviral medications like Tamiflu work best when taken early.
• Your allergy symptoms become unmanageable with over-the-counter treatments.

Congestion from either colds or allergies can cause bacteria to grow out of control, potentially leading to sinus or ear infections that may require antibiotics.

Protect yourself and others

Prevention remains your best defense. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer to avoid spreading illness. If you haven’t received your flu shot this season, it’s not too late.

If you do come down with the flu, stay home and rest. You’re contagious and likely spreading the virus to others. A good rule: Remain fever-free for a full 24 hours before returning to work or school.

For those managing seasonal allergies, minimize exposure to known triggers when possible. If you have asthma or chronic allergies, stay current with prescribed medications and talk with your primary care provider about the best management strategy.

Recognizing whether you’re dealing with a cold, flu or allergies helps you take the right action, whether that’s resting at home, trying over-the-counter relief or seeing a health care provider.

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms and need care, several Norton Now care options are available to help evaluate your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery.