What is the difference between cold, flu, and allergic rhinitis symptoms?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Cold symptoms commonly include nasal congestion and a rare fever, whereas flu symptoms usually involve a high fever and severe aches. In contrast, allergic rhinitis never involves a fever or general aches but often includes a stuffy or runny nose and occasional sneezing.

    SYMPTOMSCOLDFLUALLERGIC RHINITIS
    FeverRareUsual, high (100–102 °F), sometimes higher. Lasts 3–4 days.Never
    HeadacheUncommonCommonUncommon
    General Aches, PainsSlightUsual; often severeNever
    Fatigue, WeaknessSometimesUsual, can last up to 3 weeksSometimes
    Extreme ExhaustionSometimesUsual, at the beginning of the illnessNever
    Stuffy, Runny NoseCommonSometimesCommon
    SneezingUsualSometimesSometimes
    Sore ThroatCommonSometimesSometimes
    CoughCommonCommon, can become severeSometimes
    Chest discomfortMild to moderateCommonRare, except for people with allergic asthma

    Adapted from NIH News in Health [1]

    What is the difference between cold, flu, and allergic rhinitis symptoms? - Examine