Allergy, cold symptom confusion

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – When fall allergy season collides with cold and flu season, it can be tough to tell which foe you're fighting.  Ear nose and throat expert, Dr. Michael Benninger says both can make you feel miserable, but each has pretty distinct symptoms.

"The symptoms of allergies are primarily nasal congestion, sneezing, tearing eyes, relatively predicable, probably not really severe. Cold and flu is a little bit different, you may feel some general discomfort, a low grade fever, there's usually a cough associated with that," he explained.

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We are in the heart of ragweed allergy season now but mold allergy season is just around the corner. As people start to head inside, dust mite allergies will rear their ugly heads too. Meanwhile, cold season will be ramping up and according to the CDC, flu season can start as early as October and continue through May. Benninger says whether you're suffering from allergy or cold there is one thing that may help both.

"Starting an intranasal steroid at the onset of your allergic symptoms or cold symptoms will reduce the intensity of your symptoms," said Benninger.

He adds if you do decide to try an intranasal steroid, a medicine that is sprayed and inhaled through your nose, it can take three to five days to become effective. Roberts' South Bank Pharmacy in San Marco confirms Nasacort 24HR is the only intranasal steroid available over-the-counter right now.