If you're not sure whether symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing or fever, might be due to an allergy or a cold, answering the following questions may be helpful.

1.  Have you had symptoms longer than one week?

1. Yes.
2. No.

2.  Did your symptoms begin rather suddenly or build up over a few days?

1. Began rather suddenly.
2. Built up over a few days.

3.  Do you have a fever or achiness?

1. Yes.
2. No.

4.  If you have nasal discharge, is it thin, watery and clear, or thick and colored?

1. Thin, watery and clear.
2. Thick and colored.

5.  Do you have itching of the eyes, nose or throat?

1. Yes.
2. No.

6.  Do you sneeze frequently?

1. Yes.
2. No.