document: Is It a Cold ? Or an Allergy ? Symptoms may be similar , but the causes are not FRIDAY , April 1 -LRB- HealthDay News -RRB- - Colds and allergies can cause similar symptoms , and finding out which condition you have is the first step in getting relief , according to the American College of Allergy , Asthma and Immunology -LRB- ACAAI -RRB- . Colds are caused by one of more than 200 viruses that get transmitted from person to person . Allergies , which are not contagious , are caused by allergens , such as pollen , that prompt the immune system to overreact . In spring , high levels of tree and grass pollens cause sneezing and other cold-like symptoms for the estimated 60 million Americans with allergic rhinitis , more commonly known as hay fever . There are a number of ways to distinguish between spring allergies and a cold , says the ACAAI . Colds generally evolve , starting with a stuffy nose , throat irritation and low-grade fever , followed by sneezing and a runny nose with thickening mucus that often turns yellow or green . Common allergy symptoms include sneezing , itchy eyes and nose , but the mucus is typically clear . While colds usually last a week or two , allergy symptoms persist and can even get worse with continued exposure to the allergen causing your symptoms . Spring allergies can last six weeks or more . Aches and fever most likely indicate a cold , while itchy eyes are strong evidence of allergies . A sore throat and cough can occur with allergies , but most likely suggest a cold . Coughing is common in colds but can also be a sign of allergy-related asthma , especially in children . People with a persistent cough should see an allergist , the ACAAI advises .
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