888-765-5400Sniffs and Sneezes – Is it a Cold or Allergies?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC knows the importance of staying healthy and with every change in season, new health issues arise. Spring is in full bloom and on the bright side, the air is warming, trees are budding and the grass is turning green again. Flu season has passed and the lethargy we can sometimes feel during the long winter months is lifting. On the down side, temperatures are inconsistent, there is pollen in the air and people are sniffing and sneezing more than any other time of year. The question is: Are you suffering from seasonal allergies or do you have a common cold? Believe it or not, the answer is not as simple as you might think and even doctors sometimes find it difficult to tell the difference.
Simply put, a cold is caused by hundreds of different viruses. When any one of these viruses gets into your body, your immune system attacks it in an attempt to protect you. Some of the effects of your immune system’s response are the classic symptoms of a cold. For instance, congestion, coughing and sneezing are your body’s attempts to get rid of the invading virus. Also, the germs that cause colds are contagious, meaning they are transferred from one person to another through sneezing, coughing or shaking hands. At most, however, in a couple of weeks your immune system should fight off the virus and your cold symptoms should cease.
Allergies, on the other hand, are caused by an overactive immune system because your body is mistaking harmless substances, such as pollen or dust, for germs. Once the mistake has been made, your immune system will begin attacking the pollen or dust as if it were a more harmful virus. Your body then releases chemicals such as histamine, which in turn causes swollen nasal passages, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Unlike the viruses that cause colds, allergies are not contagious, though there could exist some genetic predisposition to developing them.
Although similar in symptoms, there are some basic differences between seasonal allergies and the common cold which may help you determine from which you are suffering. Knowing the difference is important, especially when it comes to contagion and treatment. Keep in mind these basic differences:
Duration: A cold will last 3-14 days, whereas an allergy could last for days or months, as long as you are exposed to the allergen (pollen, dust, etc.).
Time of year: A cold most often occurs in the winter months, but is possible any time of year. Allergies can happen any time of year, but are most common during changes of season.
Onset of symptoms: With a cold, symptoms take a few days to appear following infection with the virus. Allergy symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen.
REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHART FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS:
Symptom Cold Allergy
Cough: Often Sometimes
Aches: Sometimes Never
Fatigue: Sometimes Sometimes
Fever: Rarely Never
Itchy or watery eyes: Rarely Often
Sore throat: Often Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose: Often Often
As is clear from the above list of symptoms, although there are differences between a cold and allergies, there are also some similarities. One of the most important differences is the fact that one is contagious and one is not. If you have a symptom that is not typical of an allergy, it is likely you have a cold and you may want to consult your physician, stay home from work or school and take medications aimed at relieving cold symptoms. For seasonal allergies, there are a number of medications that offer relief, as well as some more natural home remedies. Unfortunately, for those who suffer from allergies, full relief from symptoms may take as long as it takes the season to change. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC wishes you a happy, healthy spring and if seasonal allergies are taking their toll, take heart! Summer is just around the corner!
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.