Determining whether you have the flu or allergies can be tricky since some symptoms overlap. Here's a breakdown to help differentiate between the two:
According to information from Emerson Hospital, key differences can be identified by analyzing symptoms.
Key Symptom Differences
SYMPTOMS | ALLERGIES | FLU |
---|---|---|
Fever | No | √ |
Headache | Sometimes | √ |
Nasal Congestion | √ | Sometimes |
Runny Nose | √ | Sometimes |
Key Distinctions Explained
- Fever: A fever is a hallmark symptom of the flu but is not associated with allergies.
- Headache: While headaches can occur with both, they are more common with the flu.
- Nasal Congestion & Runny Nose: Both are common in allergies, though the flu can sometimes cause them as well.
Therefore, if you have a fever, it's more likely the flu. If you're experiencing primarily nasal congestion and a runny nose without a fever, allergies are more likely.