Is it nasal allergies or a virus that's causing your sneezing and sniffling? There is no surefire way to tell the difference between allergies and a cold, but your symptoms can offer a few clues. While both allergies and a cold may make you cough and sneeze, allergies will rarely cause body aches and pains or a fever. And while allergies may cause itchy eyes, a cold generally won't.

Here's the most important test: Allergy symptoms will last longer than cold symptoms. While a cold will last from three to 14 days, allergies can stay for weeks at a time. If you have any respiratory illness that hangs on for longer than a week or two, consult your physician.

Learn more about symptoms of sinus allergies

Last updated: November 2006