Educators at the Jones County Health Department have tips to help tell the difference between allergies and common illnesses this Spring. It is common to get allergies confused with illnesses like the flu or the common cold.
The article from the Jones County Health Department, as reported by MSN, provides guidance on distinguishing between allergies and common illnesses like colds or flu. It explains that allergies are typically triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, mold, or pet dander, and are not contagious. Symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes asthma-like symptoms, but they do not usually involve fever or body aches. In contrast, common illnesses like the flu or a cold might present with similar respiratory symptoms but are often accompanied by fever, fatigue, and body aches. The article advises that while allergies can be managed with antihistamines and avoiding triggers, viral infections require rest, hydration, and sometimes antiviral medications. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing these differences to seek appropriate treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, which is ineffective against allergies and viruses.
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