Each year, millions of Americans suffer from one or more episodes of the common cold and allergies.

Tanja Adams says "I've gone to work sick lots of times and I know my co-workers have too because they're sneezing all around the office."

Physician Stephen Zellner says that we're all familiar with that scene. But when we have sneezing, watery eyes and the sniffles how do we know if we have a cold or an allergy? "Frequently it's hard to tell the difference. The severe malaise, the aches and pains that occur separate the cold from the allergy symptom, which is more transient seasonal, repetitive than the cold."

Dr. Zellner explains that one simple way to tell the difference is just to remember that a cold is short-lived and passed from person to person, whereas an allergy is not contagious but rather a reaction of the immune system. "Allergies develop because the patients just don't have the abilities to cope with their surroundings and their environment. There may be something that sets them off and develops the symptoms of the allergies."

Allergy patient Betsy Bartel says "For me personally, anything from animals, cats especially, rabbits, horses, the dander from those animals are real severe. Cigarette smoke is a big one for me personally."

Dr. Zellner adds that a virus causes the common cold. It's important to tell the difference between a cold and allergies, since they are usually treated with different medications. "Allergies as a rule respond better to antihistamines, there are some non-sedating antihistamines that are available over the counter. As far as treatment for colds, lots of fluid, control the temperature elevation using some Tylenol and making sure the patient gets well fed and hydrated."

Also remember that allergies don't cause a fever, and unless there's a sinus infection involved, the nasal discharge is clear.

And remember that colds are contagious. The best prevention tactics are to wash your hands more frequently and be sure to use a virus-killing disinfectant on any contaminated surfaces.