Experts Offer Tips to Distinguish Allergies from Viruses

Knowing the difference can guide treatment and time off work or school

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:49am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the intricate structures inside a human nose and sinus cavity, conceptually illustrating the medical analysis required to differentiate between viral and allergy-induced respiratory symptoms.An X-ray view of the inner workings of the nasal passages provides clues to distinguish viral and allergy-related respiratory symptoms.Cleveland Today

As the seasons change, many people struggle to determine whether their respiratory symptoms are caused by a virus like COVID-19 or the common cold, or if they are simply experiencing seasonal allergies. Experts from the National Institutes of Health and Cleveland Clinic provide guidance on how to identify the source of symptoms like runny nose, coughing, and sore throat.

Why it matters

Correctly identifying the cause of respiratory symptoms is important so people can take the appropriate medication and decide whether to stay home from work or school. Treating allergies with antiviral medications, for example, would be ineffective and could potentially make symptoms worse.

The details

According to Dr. Teresa Hauguel from the NIH, 'If you know what you have, you won't take medications that you don't need, that aren't effective, or that might even make your symptoms worse.' Allergist Dr. Sandra Hong of the Cleveland Clinic notes that allergy symptoms like an itchy throat, eyes or ears are distinct from the fever, body aches and chills that often accompany colds and flu. Symptom duration is also a key factor, with allergies typically lasting for weeks compared to the quicker resolution of viral illnesses.

  • Allergy symptoms tend to occur around the same time each year.

The players

Dr. Teresa Hauguel

An infectious disease expert at the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Sandra Hong

An allergist at the Cleveland Clinic.

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What they’re saying

“If you know what you have, you won't take medications that you don't need, that aren't effective, or that might even make your symptoms worse.”

— Dr. Teresa Hauguel, Infectious disease expert, National Institutes of Health

“Sometimes it is really difficult to determine if someone has a cold versus allergies. One of the things that I think is really important is that you get symptoms around the same time every single year.”

— Dr. Sandra Hong, Allergist, Cleveland Clinic

The takeaway

Correctly identifying the cause of respiratory symptoms - whether it's a virus or seasonal allergies - is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and whether time off from work or school is necessary. Paying attention to the specific symptoms and their duration can help people make this important distinction.