COLD & FLU RELIEF

cold, flu or allergies: how to tell the difference

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Headache, sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, watery eyes—whether from allergies, a cold, or the flu, one thing’s for sure: the symptoms can make you miserable.

But how do you know which one you have? Let’s look at some of the similarities and differences between them.

the symptoms

To determine if you have a cold, the flu or allergies, a good place to start is your symptoms.

The following symptoms are generally associated with colds, flu, and allergies. However, symptoms may vary from person to person. This is not intended as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Symptom	Cold	Flu	Allergies
Chest discomfort	Mild to moderate	Common	Rare (except for allergic asthma)
Cough	Common	Common	Sometimes
Extreme exhaustion	Never	Common at beginning of illness	Never
Fatigue, weakness	Sometimes	Common, can last up to 3 weeks	Sometimes
Fever	Rare	Common, usually high (100-102° F) Sometimes higher (especially in young children) Lasts 3-4 days	Never
General aches, pains	Slight	Common, often severe	Never
Headache	Uncommon	Common	Uncommon
Sneezing	Common	Sometimes	Common
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes	Sometimes
Stuffy, runny nose	Common	Sometimes	Common

how long will it last?

The duration of your symptoms can also vary, depending on which illness is the cause.
In general:

A cold will last up to 2 weeks.
The flu typically lasts 1-2 weeks.
Allergies can last for weeks or months, or as long as the allergens (e.g., pollen, pet dander, etc.) are present.

more facts about the cold, flu and allergies

The Common Cold

Rhinoviruses are the predominant cause of the common cold globally, with adults in the United States averaging one rhinovirus infection per year.

Rhinovirus infections are typically mild but can be severe for those with weakened immune systems, asthma, or underlying medical conditions. Rhinoviruses usually occur year-round but tend to rise in early fall and spring.

Transmission occurs through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing, contaminated surfaces, and close contact like handshakes or hugging. Unfortunately, there is no current prevention or cure for the common cold.

How Alka-Seltzer Plus® Can Help Treat a Cold

When cold symptoms have you laying low, try a multisymptom medication like Alka-Seltzer Plus® Cold & Cough Maxiumum Strength PowerMax® Gels. It contains acetaminophen to help reduce body aches and pains and a decongestant to clear nasal congestion. Use as directed.

If chest congestion is keeping you down, try Alka-Seltzer Plus® Cough & Chest Congestion Maximum Strength PowerFast Fizz™ Effervescent Tablets in Cool Blueberry Pomegranate flavor. The active ingredients in the effervescent tablets help break up mucus and can ease an annoying cough. Use as directed.

The Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness.
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread by airborne droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins.
From exposure to symptom onset is about two days but can range from one to four days.
People with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, people aged 65 and older, and children younger than 5 are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick.
The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

How Alka-Seltzer Plus® Can Help Treat Symptoms of the Flu

Over-the-counter products like Alka-Seltzer Plus® Severe Cold & Flu PowerFast Fizz™ Citrus Flavor Effervescent Tablets can help reduce your fever and provide powerful daytime and nighttime relief from a sore throat, nasal congestion and cough.

Another option is Alka-Seltzer Plus® Severe Cold & Flu Honey Lemon Zest Flavor Mix-In Packets Day & Night. This hot drink mix soothes flu symptoms while helping you get the additional fluids you need. Use as directed.

Airborne Allergies

Allergies are caused when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances, called allergens. Allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust mites.
Pollen grains are tiny “seeds” dispersed from flowering plants, trees, grass, and weeds. The amount and type of pollen in the air depends on the season and geographic region.
When pollen counts are high, stay inside with the windows closed and use the air conditioning.
Avoid bringing pollen indoors. Wash your hair and clothing and clean any pets that go outdoors.

Do your best to limit your exposure to indoor allergens by keeping humidity levels low to keep dust mites and mold under control. Avoid upholstered furniture and carpets because they harbor allergens. Wash your bedding in hot water and vacuum the floors once a week.

How Alka-Seltzer Plus® Can Help

When you have a cold or flu and are also suffering from allergy symptoms, Alka-Seltzer Plus® Sinus, Allergy & Cough Maximum Strength PowerMax® Gels can help reduce your symptoms including sinus congestion and pressure, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and more for up to seven days.

Remember to always use medications as directed, and never combine medicines. If you’re not sure what to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.