Common cold symptoms.

If you are constantly sneezing an coughing can you tell is it symptoms of a common cold or flu? Or may be it's allergy symptoms?

If you know the difference between common cold and flu symptoms you can take proper actions and have better results in fighting the illness. So what's the common cold symptoms?

More often common cold starts with a sore throat and your nose drips with watery nasal secretions. You feel tired and start sneezing and coughing. In a few days nasal secretions become thicker and darker. You can have mild cough for a week or two without any changes. If you have lung problems, a cold can increase their influence. If you have dark mucus when you cough it can be results of bacterial infection and you need to consult with your doctor. And if you have fever symptoms then you probably have the flu, not a cold.

Common cold symptoms may last for two days to a week. If it lasts for more than two weeks you should see your doctor to check if you have an allergy.
Allergies are the results of overactive immune system activity. Your body overreacts to some substances , e.g. pollen. It produces chemicals such as histamine. As a result you start sneezing, coughing and have a runny nose.

Now, what if you have the flu, not a cold? Simply, take your temperature. When you have a cold your temperature usually won't be above 101 degrees F. Remember, that some of common cold symptoms are similar to flu symptoms. Flu caused by different influenza viruses. It's an acute respiratory infection. To prevent spreading viruses you have to wash your hands more often. As a result of flu you can have headache, muscle aches and fever.