Allergy and flu are two of the most common conditions in today's society. Many people have some difficulty in differentiating allergy and flu symptoms, due to their similarity in clinical signs.
In the next article we are going to talk to you of the differences what exists between these conditions and their typical symptoms.
What is allergy
The allergy is caused by a reaction of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless. These allergens are usually: dust mites, pollen from plants and trees, animal dander or mold spores.
When a person who has an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their body produces a series of antibodies. They will cause the release of histamines and other chemical substances, giving rise to the symptoms of allergies.
What are the symptoms of allergies
These symptoms can be mild or serious:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion.
- Itchy nose, eyes or throat.
- Watery and red eyes.
- Skin rash.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
Diagnosis and treatment of allergies
Diagnosis of allergy is made through the patient's medical history, skin tests, and with blood tests.
As for the treatment, it usually consists in the intake of antihistamines, in the administration of decongestants and through immunotherapy.
What is the flu
The flu is caused by the influenza virus and is transmitted through respiratory droplets when a person who is infected cough, sneeze or talk. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
What are the symptoms of the flu
Typical symptomss of the flu are as follows:
- High fever
- Muscle pain throughout the body
- Chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
Flu symptoms usually last from one to two weeks.
Diagnosis and treatment of flu
The diagnosis of influenza is based in the patient's medical history, in a physical examination and in a series of tests to detect the influenza virus.
As for the treatment, it will consist of taking antivirals, analgesics, in good hydration and at rest of the patient.
What differences will there be between allergies and the flu?
When differentiating such conditions, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors:
- Regarding the symptoms, in the case of allergies, they occur gradually and will last as long as the person is exposed to the allergen in question. In the case of the flu, the symptoms appear suddenly and They are quite severe since the beginning of the condition.
- Regarding the duration of the symptoms, in allergies they can last from days to months. Everything will depend on the person's exposure to the allergen agent. In the case of the flu, the duration is usually one to two weeks.
- Allergy does not usually cause fever while flu causes a fairly high feverish state.
- Regarding nasal congestion, in the case of allergies the discharge it's clear while in the flu the discharge is green or yellowish.
- If you take into account the cough, in the allergy the same It is dry and persistent. In the flu the cough is dry although it can evolve into a productive cough.
In short, knowing how to differentiate the symptoms of allergies and the flu is essential when establishing a treatment that is appropriate and effective. While allergy is a response of the immune system to allergens that can be treated with specific medication, flu It is a viral type infection which requires antivirals and a series of care to be able to treat it properly.