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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere are four main types of viruses that cause the flu:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Influenza A and B viruses. These are the most common cause of seasonal flu outbreaks in humans. There are many subtypes of influenza A and B, and each season the most common variety can change.<\/li>
- Influenza C viruses. These cause milder illnesses and are rarely the cause of epidemics.<\/li>
- Influenza D viruses. These usually affect livestock rather than humans.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can catch the flu when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes near you, or if you both touch a shared surface like a fence or court at Atlanta Memorial Park<\/a> then you touch your mouth or nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Causes of Allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Allergies<\/a> are the result of an immune response to a normally-harmless substance known as an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, certain foods and insect stings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this reaction, the immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes your cells to release histamine. Histamine increases mucus production and triggers inflammation, causing your allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of the Flu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Flu symptoms vary based on what strain you\u2019re infected with, but usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Fever<\/li>
- Headache<\/li>
- Body aches<\/li>
- Fatigue<\/li>
- Cough<\/li>
- Shortness of breath<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
More rarely, the flu can also cause congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While symptoms of allergies can be full-body, they\u2019re usually more confined to the upper respiratory system. Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Itchy, red, watery or puffy eyes<\/li>
- Runny nose<\/li>
- Congestion<\/a><\/li>
- Sneezing<\/li>
- Itchy or scratchy throat<\/li>
- Hives or rash<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Severe allergies can result in shortness of breath, dizziness and increased heart rate. These are signs of anaphylaxis, which requires emergency medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Tell the Difference Between a Flu & Allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The main difference between the symptoms of the flu and allergies is that the flu<\/a> tends to affect the whole body, while allergies usually only affect the upper respiratory system. In addition, if you have the flu, you\u2019ll experience symptoms all day long for a week or two, but with allergies, you may experience symptoms only at certain times of day, in certain environments or during certain seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information about the difference between the flu and allergies or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Georgia today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n