Sniffing, sneezing and sore throat? Chest discomfort? Wondering what it is? Is it flu or some allergic reaction or something else? Well it’s time to get our doubts cleared!
Right now, summer is giving way to monsoon in many parts of the country. We are prone to falling sick as seasons change. Many of us get worried and confused. It is time to educate ourselves so that we can take proper precautions. A few years ago, I was falling sick with every seasonal change. My symptoms would vary slightly so I was never sure what was the problem. Over time, by observing myself and after discussions with the doctor, I realized that it is important to know what ails us. Here’s what I learnt through research and medical advice.
Usually, it is difficult to understand whether the sniffles or sneezes are due to an allergy or its flu. Seasonal changes do play a role in both the conditions.
So, the immediate question which comes to one’s mind is what is Flu and is it linked to allergy? Or does an allergy lead to flu?
Symptoms of flu and an allergic reaction
Influenza, commonly called as “Flu” is a respiratory illness resulting from a virus infection. It’s contagious and spreads via respiratory droplets passed by physical contact like talking, shaking hands etc. On the other hand, allergy occurs when our body’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, mold, certain chemical substances, food etc.
The causes and the symptoms for both the indications are quite different –
Hence, there are a few similarities between Flu and allergies:
- Both these diseases affect the respiratory system largely.
- They have a few common symptoms like sneezing, sore throat etc
Understanding how a flu is different from an allergy
However, we need to keep the focus on the differences between the both to get a better understanding –
Understanding is the key to Management
We have got good amount of clarity on the symptoms, duration of the disease and disease management. Nevertheless, I would like to reiterate a few points keeping in mind how are flu and allergies are connected in India –
- Although there are few similarities in the symptoms, we must take note of the other accompanied symptoms which are a huge distinguishing factor like fever, pain and exhaustion in case of Influenza.
- During seasonal changes we observe a surge in the number of cases, however in case of allergies over a period of time we develop an understanding of the causes and can take required precautions to avoid the triggers. E.g.: If someone has a dust allergy then take appropriate precautions while dusting the house, passing through a dusty road etc.
- In case of flu it becomes a bit difficult to take preventive measures. However, if we know of a person suffering from the disease, we can avoid contact. Another preventive measure is maintaining good hygiene practices; which is a cause of concern in our country. Washing hands after you come in contact with a person who shows symptoms or touch some surface area which might have the respiratory droplets must be done. CDC does recommend that people above 6 months of age should get an Influenza vaccine.
- In any case we should not self-medicate and see a doctor if the symptoms don’t come under control.
I hope, I was able to resolve some of your doubts about Flu and Allergy.
And to answer the question whether Flu and Allergy are interconnected, well they are not!
Learn more about allergies and their management here.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Sanofi India. Sanofi India bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.
References –
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497
- https://www.allergyfree.co.in/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419#causes
- https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/what-is-flu#3
- https://www.familyallergy.com/education/allergy/cold-flu-allergies/
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy
Featured Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Great , so useful
Hum yehi sochte hain ki hume sab kuch pata hai per dekhiye dono me kitna difference hai 👍👍
Haanji. Reliable information hone chahiyeh hamesha warna dikhat ho sakte hain 😊
The blog details lot of information and clears our doubt too. It totally helps us knowing the difference and in making us aware and #AllergyFree
Glad you found the post useful. 😊
Loved the way you explained flu and allergy in a simplified table format …It imp.to know the difference .
Yes, thought it would make it easier for everyone to understand 😊
Wow. This is quite a researched post. My doubts were cleared and I’m sure others will find this post very helpful. #AllergyFree
Thanks so much, it was my objective to help create an awareness and make it easier for all to understand. Glad you found it useful.
Such a detailed and helpful post, Manisha. You have put my mind to rest with the clear demarcation between Flu and Allergy.
I am glad Mayuri, this post was useful in resolving some of your doubts 😊
This should help people understand the difference between these and how to keep themselves safe. Plus, this is very well researched post. Good one.
Thanks so much Atul, it was my objective to create some awareness about the diseases through the post, I am glad it was beneficial.
You have describe the difference between allergy and flu really well. With the help of this post, lot of people will be able to differentiate allergy from flu or anything else. And if it is an allergy then allergy free website will guide them further.
This was my entire idea, to help people understand the difference in easy manner, I am glad to hear that I was successful in doing it. Hope more people benefit. The website is pretty helpful in throwing light on allergy management.
I have gotten so much clarity after going through your article. Thanks for this
Glad you found this article useful 😊
Beautifully written and well researched. Thank you for this.
It was an effort to spread awareness and makes things easier to understand. Glad you found it useful.
It’s very good of you to share awareness about a topic many are confused about.
Glad you found the post useful.
Yes actually allergies and flu have similar symptoms to correctly identify the same we need an expert advice. Thanks for this informative article.
Absolutely 😊
These are very relevant points. It is crucial to be able to differentiate between a flu or allergy so that appropriate actions can be taken. This document is a future reference for me.
Glad you found it useful. With overlap in symptoms diagnosing the corrent illness always becomes a concern.
nice information about many diseases which are common in daily routine like but we have to take it seriously and consult with our doctor when we can find precaution it.
Yes these diseases have common symptoms and we should always consult a doctor for our own benefit.
A very informative post.
Would be a useful read for everyone.
Thanks and glad you found it useful.
This is indeed so useful post. It has cleared my so many doubts.well researched I must say
Thanks so much 😊
Thanks for clarifying the doubt between flu and allergies. These is very useful article. Understanding the differences will help us to choose the best treatment
Glad you found the post useful 😊
This is a great post. I had never thought about the differences till now. Even though I knew the symptoms of both flu and allergy, but how are they different, I didn’t know till now. Thanks for this. I learned something new.
Glad you found the post useful 😊
Crucial and informative 👌. So many misconceptions always that we have and the listing above really helps rationale..and avoid undue panic. Well researched.
Thanks so much, glad you found the post useful 😊
This article has given me so much clarity and busted myths as well.
Glad you found the post useful 😊
This is very helpful Mahek. I am a parent and this information is very accurate and helpful if used rightly. Correct diagnosis and early diagnosis is key to saving situations getting worse.
Glad you found the post useful 😊
I like the table presentation, that made it easy to understand. Very well researched post. Cleared many myths and doubts for me.
Thanks so much, glad you found the post useful 😊
Such a detailed and informative post about flu and allergies. Very well written 👏
Glad you found the post useful 😊
Such a useful and wonderfully written blog post. I know of many people who cannot make the simple distinction between flu and allergies. Now I can ask them to simply read your post. With monsoon around the corner, I’m sure a lot of people can benefit from this post.
Glad you found the post useful 😊
very helpful post – this information, especially the tabular format has made it easy to compare and understand! And as you rightly mentioned, treatment can be most effective when we identify correctly!
Yes, we need to identify the right cause for the treatment.
I am so glad that I came across this post as it is so interesting to know the differences. This awareness helps in dealing with the flu and allergies better. And I think it’s important to get educated as much as possible on these so we can deal with them without panicking and rushing to the hospital.
Yes, that was the sole intention to spread right awareness on the topic, glad you found the post useful 😊
In common language it’s called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. I often have patients coming to me with these sx and right now people are going paranoid because of Corona scare.
Yes, there is lot of confusion and high anxiety levels due to the current situation and symptom overlap. One can read more on the http://www.allergyfree.co.in
This is a great article. We must understand flu and allergies and take care accordingly. I agree that they have similar symptoms most of the time.
Glad you found the post useful 😊
I perform a musical symphony for nearly 30 mins every morning with my sneezing bout due to allergy (change in temperature frm cold due to a.c. to notmal) it’s very easy for me to make out if I’m sick or is my sneezing frm allergy.
Glad you are aware of the difference so you can manage it well. Do check the website for some detailed information.
A lot of people right now are confused about these deadly diseases and flu, allergies are something I should concentrate on.
Glad you found the post useful
Wow so much useful info in this one !
Thanks so much, glad you found it useful.
Thanks Mahek for this informative article. It’s high time people distinguish between flu and allergies so that they get proper treatment and care in this monsoon season. Will share this post with my friends
Yes we need the right awareness on this topic.
That’s a really useful article… Not of us are actually confused between flu and allergies..
It’s very important to you know its and take the proper measure otherwise it might get worse
Yes agree with you 😊
glad, i came across this post..such a useful information for many of us
Glad you found it useful 😊
you have explained everything so well, its important we understand the clear difference between Flu and Allergy to take a informed decision
Yes we need to know the difference for the right diagnosis.
Great article. I somehow always felt the difference between two. Allergies are more troublesome and can become chronic if not treated on time.
Yes they can and you should always consult a doctor on timely basis.
You describe very well about flu and allergy so people can easily differentiate between two.It is very important to identify whether the symptoms is flu or allergy to treat in proper direction
Glad you found this post useful 😊. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes flu and allergies are often confusing for so many people. You had explained this difference so well in this post. During recent stressful situation, having this knowledge is must for all of us.
Yes Surbhi, there was lot of confusion due to recent situation, glad you found this useful 😊
With a lot of misinformation going around, I’m sure this post is gona help a lot of people to understand the difference between flu and allergies. Very informative post with all the minute details.
That was my entire objective, glad you found it useful 😊
Wow. .. Really impresses by your research on the topic. Thanks for sharing this and clearing the air about common misconceptions👍
Glad you found the post useful 😊
Such informative post. Glad to know the difference between flu and allergies. Your research is up to the mark.
Glad you found it useful 😊
Wow! I wasn’t aware of the difference between flu and allergy! Thank you for putting out such a useful post. Keep writing and shedding light on important issues such as this one.
Glad you found the post useful, thanks for stopping by 😊
Iss article ko padhne ke baad mujhe thori thori doctor vali feeling aane lagi hai! Also, my whole life was a lie! Mai toh allergy ko bhi bolti thi Flu ho gaya 🙈 sab mujhe bevakuf samjhte honge 😅
Nahi, mere koshish the ki post the thode awareness du iss topic or, glad you found this useful 😊
awesome blog post.. Full details with easy to understand content. Your hard work is getting visible.
Thanks, glad you found the post useful.
Definitely a post worth saving and sharing. Loads of good information.
Glad you found it useful, thanks for stopping by