What are some symptoms that would lead a doctor to believe that someone has a cold and not allergies?
– fever- lasts less than 14 days – body aches and fatigue
Although there is some overlap in the symptoms of a cold and allergies, there are some distinguishing features that can help a doctor differentiate between the two conditions. Here are some of the symptoms that would lead a doctor to believe that someone has a cold and not allergies:
1. Fever: A fever is a common symptom of a cold, but it is not usually present with allergies.
2. Body aches: Body aches and fatigue are more commonly associated with a cold than with allergies.
3. Productive cough: A cough that produces phlegm or mucus is more likely to be a symptom of a cold than allergies.
4. Sore throat: A sore throat is common with a cold, but it is not a typical symptom of allergies.
5. Onset of symptoms: The onset of cold symptoms is usually more sudden and intense than allergy symptoms, which may develop more gradually.
6. Duration of symptoms: Cold symptoms generally last for a shorter period of time than allergy symptoms, which can persist for weeks or months.
7. Seasonal variation: Allergies are usually seasonal, meaning that they occur at the same time each year, while colds can occur at any time.
By considering these factors and conducting a thorough physical exam, a doctor can determine whether a patient is suffering from a cold or allergies and recommend appropriate treatment.
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