Incessant sneezing, runny nose, nasal discharge. We’ve all had these symptoms, haven’t we? But how can you tell if it’s the flu or just an allergy? Although there are many differences between these two things, many people still confuse them. And understanding these differences is extremely important in order to know how to treat the problem and get rid of these symptoms. After all, is it flu or allergy? That’s exactly what today’s text is about. If you’d like to understand more about the difference between these two conditions, check it out below!
What is the Flu?
The flu is one of the best-known illnesses in humanity and, contrary to what many people believe, it is not caused by just one specific virus. In fact, several different viruses can cause the illness, and a common characteristic among them is that they can mutate over time, which explains why we’re affected by the flu several times throughout our lives. In centuries past, the flu was an extremely dangerous and deadly disease, but nowadays it is considered common and easy to treat, even though its mortality rate is around 0.13%. To help you understand a little more about this disease and how it differs from allergies, we’ll also go over the main symptoms and the treatment for the flu.
Main Symptoms of the Flu
The main symptoms of the flu are:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny nose
- General malaise
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
Of course, depending on the person’s condition, these symptoms can vary. For example, it’s possible for someone to have all these symptoms, but mildly, while someone else may have just a few of them, but more severely. And while there isn’t a fixed rule for how the flu behaves, the treatment is always similar.
Treatment for the Flu
The flu is a disease that tends to go away on its own over time, so treatment basically consists of getting plenty of rest and allowing your body to fight off the virus. Another important part of treating the flu is to drink plenty of fluids to prevent your body from becoming dehydrated. In normal cases, the illness lasts about five days. Of course, to help with certain symptoms like fever, a doctor may prescribe paracetamol. Cough syrup may also be an option to relieve that symptom. There are several flu vaccines available, which can be taken by anyone, although some are especially recommended for children and the elderly. The vaccines tend to be very effective, but they should be given regularly, since, as we mentioned before, the flu virus can mutate and attack our bodies in a different form that we’re not vaccinated against. This does not mean, of course, that it’s not worth getting the vaccine, since it helps save thousands of lives every year. It’s important to remember that you should never self-medicate, especially with medications you’ve never taken before. This could cause various reactions in your body and make the flu even worse. Therefore, if you’re feeling very unwell, it’s best to see a doctor.
What is a Respiratory Allergy?
To talk about what a respiratory allergy is, it’s important to first understand that there are several types. The most well-known are rhinitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. That said, we can define respiratory allergies as a sort of hypersensitivity in some part of our body to a specific agent. For example, when someone is very sensitive to flower pollen, it’s common for their allergy to flare up during spring—especially rhinitis. The same can happen with bronchitis in someone who is allergic to dust, or with sinusitis if someone is allergic to certain types of perfume. It’s worth noting that while these are valid examples, they don’t limit the ways these allergies can manifest. That’s why we’ll also discuss the main symptoms of respiratory allergies and the treatment for each.
Main Symptoms of Respiratory Allergy
As there are several types of respiratory allergies, it’s important to break down the symptoms for each. So we’ll talk about the symptoms of rhinitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Main Symptoms of Rhinitis
The main symptoms of rhinitis are:
- Runny nose
- Incessant sneezing
- Eye irritation
- Nasal itching
Main Symptoms of Bronchitis
The main symptoms of bronchitis are:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Phlegm production
Main Symptoms of Sinusitis
The main symptoms of sinusitis are:
- Pain in the center of the head
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
Treatment of Respiratory Allergy
As with any other type of allergy, the most recommended approach is to identify the triggering agent and avoid it as much as possible. However, since this isn’t always possible, a doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids when the allergy is severe. We once again emphasize the importance of not taking these medications on your own and always consulting a doctor so that treatment can be done seriously and bring about positive results for your health. 
What are the Main Differences Between Flu and Allergy?
Now that you have a better understanding of what the flu is and what respiratory allergies are, it’s much easier to explain whether what you’re experiencing is a case of flu or allergy. Whereas the first condition is an illness caused by a virus, the second is a reaction of our immune system due to a hypersensitivity we develop. This means that allergies are not diseases, which means they are treated differently. In addition, the consequences that each of these conditions may bring are different. Understanding this more clearly enables you to know what actions to take in each moment and definitely helps with treatment, whether it’s for the flu or for allergy. Although many symptoms are similar, respiratory allergies and flu are completely different things and require different treatments. That’s why it’s so important to know if what you have is flu or an allergy, to know how to get rid of the symptoms and live normally. Learning more about our bodies and our health also means learning how to live better and knowing more about ourselves. And that’s always beneficial. Also see: Inhalation – Everything You Need to Know
