COMMON COLD OR SEASONAL ALLERGY?

Fast Facts About Cold and Seasonal Allergy Symptoms From the Hispanic American Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Association (HAAMA)

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Common Cold

What is it?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition that occurs predominantly during the spring, summer and fall but may also occur in the winter in some parts of the country.

What is it?

A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.

What causes it?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by the body’ reaction to allergens that enter through the respiratory tract. Types of allergens include grass, tree, and weed pollens. Highest pollen levels occur when these plants flower.

What causes it?

A cold is caused by a

person’s exposure to one of the more than

200 types of upper respiratory tract

viruses. It is spread by skin or surface

contact and by droplets released in the air

from sneezes and coughs.

Symptoms:

§ Stuffy nose

§ Itchy nose

§ Sneezing

§ Runny nose

§ Itchy throat

§ Watery and itchy eyes

Symptoms:

§ Stuffy nose

§ Sneezing

§ Sore, scratchy throat

§ Watery eyes

§ Sometimes a fever

§ Fatigue

§ Headaches

Duration: Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to occur at the same time each year and can last as long as the person is exposed to the allergen.

Duration: Symptoms can typically last between five to ten days.

Treatments:

§ Avoid the allergens that affect you.

§ Talk to your doctor about drug therapy or immunotherapy. He may prescribe a non-sedating antihistamine from the Allegra family of products such as Allegra^® (fexofenadine HCl) 180 mg once daily, Allegra 30 mg twice daily for children 6 to 11 years of age or twice daily Allegra-D (fexofenadine HCl 60 mg/pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) extended-release tablets to treat your symptoms

Ask your doctor about the right medication for you.

Treatments (according to the American Academy of Family Physicians):

§ Stay at home and rest, especially if you have a fever.

§ Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices and clear soups.

§ Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat.

Call 1-800-688-9707 to receive a free booklet about the differences between a common cold and seasonal allergies as well as information on treatment.

Allegra^® (fexofenadine HCl) 30 mg twice daily is indicated in the United States for the relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) in children aged 6 to 11. Side effects with Allegra 30 mg are low and may include headache, cold, coughing, or accidental injury.

Allegra^® (fexofenadine HCl) 60 mg twice daily is indicated in the United States for the relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients aged 12 and older. Side effects with Allegra 60 mg for seasonal allergies are low; less than 3% of people experience cold or flu, nausea, menstrual pain or drowsiness.

Allegra^® (fexofenadine HCl) 180 mg once daily is a powerful, safe and effective non-sedating antihistamine for the treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms in patients 12 years and older. Side effects with Allegra are low and may include headache, cold or back pain.

Twice-daily Allegra-D^® (fexofenadine HCl 60 mg/pseudoephedrine HCl 120 mg) extended-release tablets provide non-drowsy effective relief of seasonal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion. Side effects with Allegra-D were similar to Allegra alone and may include headache, insomnia, and nausea. Due to the decongestant (pseudoephedrine) component in Allegra-D, this product must not be used if you: are taking an MAO inhibitor (a medication for depression) or have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within 14 days; retain urine; have narrow-angle glaucoma; have severe high blood pressure or severe heart disease. You should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid disease, impaired kidney function, or symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as difficulty urinating.

Allegra^® (fexofenadine HCl) is available by prescription only, and seasonal allergy sufferers should consult their physician or health professional with questions. Full prescribing information is available by visiting the Aventis Pharmaceuticals U.S. Web site at www.aventispharma-us.com. Also available at this U.S. Web site are copies of this release or any recent release, or call 800/207-8049.