Difference between a flu infection and an allergy.

[Magus]

Title says it all.

How do you know if you got flu, or it's just another nasal-allergic reaction. Well, when sometimes I get cold(you know, the typical symptoms), my tonsils gets swollen and my body heats up. But now, I only have it in my nose(you know, the burning sensation and you might sneeze anytime), and my body isn't hot, and my tonsils isn't that swollen either. Do you think this is allergy?

I will visit the clinic later, but what do you think it is?

[Angel Androgynous]

I think it may be an allergy. It depends. Have you gotten these symptoms of an allergic reaction before?

[Bougainvillea]

Fever is one of the main symptoms of the flu. Or when it comes to bacterial infections. So, if you feel like you have a fever, and do, its most likely one of those.

I doubt its anything viral. So, I think it might just be allergies.

Edit: I didn't see the tonsils bit.
Your tonsils can act as part of the immune system. So if they aren't swollen, or inflamed, it probably isn't anything bacterial or viral.

[Magus]

Your tonsils can act as part of the immune system. So if they aren't swollen, or inflamed, it probably isn't anything bacterial or viral.But, I feel a bit of increased temperature. But no swollen tonsil there, only an irritated throat -- or I can feel a bit of my tonsils, just not too swollen.

[Bougainvillea]

Then its a possibility. I'm trying to use what I learned. Pathology and Pathophysiology are tough.

All I can say is, you'll have to wait until you visit the clinic. I'm a CNA , I just assist people, and take blood samples. I don't do the doctor stuff. :)

[Magus]

Then its a possibility.Oh... then I head for natural remedies for now.

Have you gotten these symptoms of an allergic reaction before?I think I have.

[Angel Androgynous]

If you had this type of allergic reaction before, then I am leaning more towards allergy...
But I could be wrong... I drink hot tea, (usually herbal) or warm milk with butter and honey when I get an irritated throat. Ahem...but yeah only the clinic can tell you for sure. Good luck and get well soon. ^_^

[Dimitri]

The easiest way to tell the difference is with a thermometer. An allergic reaction is caused by a defect in the immune system where the body mis-identifies benign (harmless) proteins as evil invading germs. The immune response is to produce IgE which in turn prompts the mast cells to make histamine, and it is the histamine that causes the symptoms. There is NO fever with an allergic reaction. In the case of influenza or a cold, there will be a fever, even if just slight. Another indicator is the duration of symptoms. A cold lasts 7 to 10 days (treated or untreated!) an allergy will continue as long as the body is exposed to the "offending" protein. I am going to give you a link to a great article that takes you symptom by symptom to determine if it is allergy, cold, or flu, but the easiest test is to see if you have fever.

http://ezinearticles.com/?id=768591