When the body is exposed to foreign particles, the immune system is activated through a series of defense mechanisms.
In the case of a viral infection, the reaction is triggered by one of the many existing viruses, while a hypersensitivity reaction is caused by harmless substances such as dust, animals, or plant particles.
Both conditions can produce exactly the same symptoms, including coughing, headaches, sneezing, and a blocked or runny nose.
According to information from SELF and News55, the body’s basic response is very similar regardless of whether the cause is an allergen or a virus.
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Duration and exposure
One important way to tell the difference lies in the timing and social environment. A typical infection will usually go away on its own within a week.
An allergic reaction, on the other hand, will continue for as long as a person remains exposed to the substance they are allergic to.
Katrina Johnson, a specialist in internal medicine, told SELF that it is important to consider whether you have recently been around people who were sick.
This significantly increases the likelihood of infection.
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At the same time, it is a clear sign of allergies if the symptoms return at the same time each year.
The key clinical differences
To identify the exact cause, it is important to look for specific physical signs. Itching in the throat, ears, or eyes, as well as red eyes and rashes, point toward allergies.
Immunologist Erin L. Reigh explained to SELF that allergies never cause fever or swollen glands.
If a person experiences fever, a sore throat, or body aches, it is most likely an infection.
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Although pollen season can create confusion, the presence of fever and body aches is the clearest indication that you are dealing with a cold.
Sources: News55 and SELF.
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