--- title: Understanding the Difference Between Allergies and a Cold description: "Have you ever had a runny nose, sneezing, or a scratchy throat and wondered, \"Do I have a cold or is it just airborne allergies?\" You're not alone! Allergies and colds can feel very similar, but they are actually quite different." image: https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf-mhD6n4DWgAbDrweXDQgaJQR1mtsBACUbtal3NseiT8VXEHVulz2AVnv_x5vHWu5txHPKuOR9PlZMJfBMWQkgA4CKL_Z67tmzKtR3FhAO8NzP6iKMb72Ox17iMvvA4vPity0ulQ?key=-gFOU4A5rxkYoxTd1YmvVEbL --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Understanding the Difference Between Allergies and a Cold Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on May 13, 2025 11:55:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **![Gemini_Generated_Image_9hu3wx9hu3wx9hu3-1](https://blog.usfhp.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_9hu3wx9hu3wx9hu3-1.png?width=1292&height=705&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_9hu3wx9hu3wx9hu3-1.png)** Image Credit: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/)   Have you ever had a runny nose, sneezing, or a scratchy throat and wondered, "Do I have a cold or is it just airborne allergies?" You're not alone! Allergies and colds can feel very similar, but they are actually quite different. Let’s break it down in a simple way. ### **What Is a Cold?** A [cold](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605) is an illness caused by a virus. It spreads from person to person, usually through coughs, sneezes, or by touching things like doorknobs or phones. Colds are very common and usually go away on their own in about a week. Common cold symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing. Also, colds usually come on slowly, and after a few days, you might start to feel better. ### **What Are Airborne Allergies?** Airborne allergies are not caused by a virus. They happen when your body reacts to something harmless, like pollen, dust, or pet hair. Your immune system thinks these things are dangerous and fights back, which causes allergy symptoms. Common allergy [symptoms](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy) include runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and no fever. Unlike a cold, allergies don’t go away in a few days. They can last as long as you’re around the thing you’re allergic to. ### **Final Thoughts** Colds and allergies may feel similar, but they are very different in how they start, how long they last, and how you treat them. Knowing the difference can help you feel better faster and avoid spreading germs if you’re sick. If you're not sure, it's always a good idea to check with a doctor. --- For more info about our healthcare plan or to schedule a one-on-one appointment, visit [usfhp.net](http://usfhp.net/) or call 1-800-241-4848. Topics: [allergies](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/allergies), [cold](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/cold) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)