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Patients & Consumers Featured Resources Diseases 101 Drug Guide Find an Allergist / Immunologist Pollen Counts En Español Just for Kids Publications for Patients Referral Guidelines Request a Speaker Research for Patients Search by Condition (A-Z) Seniors Useful Links Contact Us Donate Now Request a Speaker Smoke Free Homes Referral Guidelines Other Resources En Español Just for Kids Seniors Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials		Allergy & Asthma Advocate: Winter 2008 Allergies Versus the Cold Virus By Harvey L. Leo, MD, FAAAAI During the winter months, many people are plagued by the return of viral respiratory season. There are hundreds of viruses of many strains that are passed from person to person throughout the season. Schools become inundated with ill children and these children often bring the same illnesses home and to their communities. For many asthmatic families, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is commonly discussed as an important trigger to wheezing, illness and hospitalization in children. Influenza is a yearly virus that affects all people, but can be deadly and debilitating in people with chronic diseases and to the very young. Often, both adult and child patients are referred to their physicians for evaluation of their symptoms which can include mild fever, runny nose, cough, wheeze, muscle aches or sore throats. Viral illnesses make up the bulk of physician visits through the winter months, but there is little a person can do to address the symptoms. If symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, patients may become concerned about the role that allergic disease may play in their chronic symptoms. It can be extremely difficult to clinically discern the symptoms associated with chronic allergies with those associated with an acute viral infection. In general, most viral infections last about 7-10 days with the fever lasting only about 2-3 days. The best cure for the common cold is rest and a lot of fluids. Nasal saline irrigation or saline mist nose sprays can bring some relief. Nasal sprays can be effective, but use must be limited to only two or three days and they are typically not recommended in children. Allergies are unlikely to cause fever, but in many ways can mimic the congestion, nasal drainage and cough of the common cold. This is especially true of younger children and in fact, cough can often be a symptom of asthma that is commonly mistaken for a simple cold. Ocular itching is usually associated with allergies, although some people can have eye discomfort associated with viral infections. Some patients who have severe allergic reactions can develop fatigue, muscle aches and occasionally wheezing as well. There are many viable treatments available for individuals with perennial or seasonal allergies that have good long term efficacy. Treatment options should be discussed with a physician such as an allergist/immunologist.     <back>
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