COLD & FLU RELIEF
cold, flu or allergies: how to tell the difference
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
Headache, sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, sneezing/runny nose—whether from allergies, a cold or the flu—one thing’s for sure: the symptoms can make you miserable.
But how do you know which one you have? Let’s look at some of the similarities and differences between them.
the symptoms
To determine if you have a cold, the flu or allergies, a good place to start is your symptoms.
The following symptoms are generally associated with colds, flu and allergies. However, symptoms may vary from person to person. This is not intended as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.
how long will it last?
The duration of your symptoms can also vary, depending on which illness is the cause.
In general:
Symptoms of a common cold usually last 1-2 weeks.
Symptoms of the flu usually last 1-2 weeks.
Allergy symptoms usually last as long as you're exposed to the allergen (e.g., pollen, pet dander, etc.), which may be about 6 weeks during the spring, summer or fall pollen seasons.
more facts about the cold, flu and allergies
The Common Cold
More than 200 respiratory viruses can cause colds. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of colds in the United States—every year in the US, adults have an average of 2-3 colds and children often have more.
The "common cold" is a conventional term for a mild upper respiratory illness, the hallmark symptoms of which are nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing, sore throat and cough. Yearly, rhinoviruses account for about 30-50% of all respiratory illnesses, but during the autumn peak season, they can cause up to 80% of all respiratory infections.
Transmission occurs through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing, contaminated surfaces, and close contact like handshakes or hugging. Unfortunately, there is no current pharmaceutical prevention or cure for the common cold.
How Alka-Seltzer™ Cold Can Help Treat a Cold
When cold symptoms have you laying low, try a multi-symptom medication like Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Cough Maximum Strength Fast Dissolve Tablets. It contains aspirin to help reduce body ache and pain, a cough suppressant and a decongestant to clear nasal congestion. Use as directed. If chest congestion is keeping you down, try Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Mucus Congestion Maximum Strength Fast Gels. The active ingredients in the liquid gel help break up mucus and can ease an annoying cough. Use as directed.
The Flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness.
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread by airborne droplets are made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has an Influenza virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
People with flu are most contagious in the first 3 days after their illness begins.
From exposure to symptom onset is about two days but can range from one to four days.
People 65 years and older, those with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), people with body mass index (BMI) of 40kg/m^2 or higher, pregnant women and children younger than 5 years old (especially those under 2 years old) are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick.
The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illnesses and potentially serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Flu vaccines are updated each year and annual vaccination is recommended.
How Alka-Seltzer™ Cold Can Help Treat Symptoms of the Flu
Over-the-counter products like Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Flu + Congestion Severe Fast Dissolve Tablets, Citrus Flavor can help reduce your fever and provide powerful relief from a sore throat, nasal congestion and cough.
Another option is Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Flu + Congestion Severe Day/Night Fast Hot Liquid, Honey Lemon Zest Flavor. This hot drink mix soothes flu symptoms while helping you get the additional fluids you need.
Always use over the counter medications as directed.
Airborne Allergies
Allergies arise when the body's immune system overreacts to substances, called allergens, that are normally harmless. When a person with allergies breathes in allergens—such as pollen, mold, pet dander or dust mites—the resulting allergic reactions in the nose are called allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
Pollen grains are tiny “seeds” dispersed from flowering plants, trees, grass, and weeds. The amount and type of pollen in the air depends on the season and geographic region. Though pollen counts are typically higher during the warmer seasons, some plants pollinate year-round.
When pollen counts are high, stay inside with the windows closed and use the air conditioning.
Avoid bringing pollen indoors. Wash your hair and clothing and clean any pets that go outdoors.
Do your best to limit your exposure to indoor allergens by keeping humidity levels low to keep dust mites and mold under control. Avoid upholstered furniture and carpets because they harbor allergens. Wash your bedding in hot water and vacuum the floors once a week.
How Alka-Seltzer™ Cold Can Help
If you're suffering from cold symptoms or your allergies are acting up, Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Allergy Maximum Strength Fast Gels can help reduce your symptoms including headache and body ache, itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and more for up to 7 days.
Remember to always use medications as directed, and never combine medicines. If you’re not sure what to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
References
- National Institutes of Health. Cold, Flu or Allergy? Accessed June 29, 2026.
- CDC. About Common Cold. Accessed June 29, 2026.
- National Library of Medicine. The common cold. Accessed June 23, 2026.
- CDC. About Influenza. Accessed June 29, 2026.
- National Institutes of Health. Seeking Allergy Relief. Accessed June 29, 2026.
- CDC. Allergens and Pollen. Accessed June 29, 2026.
