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A diagnosis of the common cold is generally made based on symptoms. Laboratory testing can be carried if it is important to determine whether symptoms are caused by an influenza virus, bacteria or some other organism. Most colds resolve by themselves without complications and do not require laboratory testing.
Occasionally knowing whether one is experiencing a cold, allergy, influenza, or a bacterial infection can be difficult. Bacteria sometimes grow in the secretions from a cold and can result in symptoms that are more severe, prolonged, that recur after beginning to clear or that spread to the ears or lungs. A physician should be contacted if this happens or if other concerns arise. The following chart lists some differences between colds, allergies and the 'flu'.
Cold, Flu, Allergies Comparison Chart 1
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu | Airborne AllergiesPollen, dust, pets etc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usual; lasts 3-4 days Adults (100-102°F)(37.8-39°C) Children(100-103°F)(37.8-39.4°C) |
Never |
| Headache | Rare | Common | Sometimes triggered by food allergies |
| General aches and pains | Slight | Usual: often severe | Never |
| Fatigue, weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks | Sometimes |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness | Rare to never |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes | Usual |
| Runny Nose | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild to moderate, dry hacking cough | Common Can become severe |
Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort | Mild | Common, may become severe | May be associated with allergic asthma |
| Itchy Eyes | Rare or never | Rare or never | Common |
| Duration | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 6 weeks or more |
| Treatment | Antihistamines, decongestants, pain, fever and cough medicines | See your doctor Manage symptoms Antiviral medicine |
Antihistamines Decongestants Nasal steroids |
| Prevention | Wash hands Avoid contact |
Yearly vaccination Antivirals when indicated |
|
| Complications | Sinus congestion Middle ear infection Asthma See your doctor |
Bronchitis, pneumonia, can become serious See your doctor |
Sinus infection, Asthma |