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Everywhere you turn these days-does it seem someone is coughing sneezing or battling a
stuffy nose? Don't worry-you're not along. Along with the cooler weather comes the cold
and flu season. But wait, are you "really" sure it's a cold?

Maybe you're grabbing those tissues because of seasonal allergies. This time of the year,
ragweed, mold and grass and tree pollens are abundant. Luckily there are a number of
medications to ease your symptoms. Treatment options include: non-sedating anti-
histamines, decongestants and in more severe cases-immunotherapy. By the way, many
of these medications are also used to treat cold symptoms.

What makes it so hard to tell the difference between a cold and allergies is that many of
the signs are the same. But if you look at a combination of your symptoms-you could make
an educated guess.

Sneezing,itchy eyes and runny nose that occur seasonally are often symptoms associated
with allergies. Only "sometimes" is a cough a symptom. And rarely would major aches and
pains or a fever be associated with allergies.

Now, it's generally safe to give those over the counter decongestants or ant-histamines a
try to see if your symptoms get better-but if they don't work within four to five days-play it
safe and see your doctor.