Cold or Allergies?

I can't tell if I am getting a cold or if it is allergies. I've never really had allergies until I moved to DC, but now I get them in the springtime. It may also be a cold since so many people at work are sick and sneezing/coughing. I discreetly slipped a box of Kleenex (anti-viral) on their desk since it traps cold/flu bugs in the tissue, so hopefully they will get the hint. Is there any way to know if you have a cold or if its just allergies?

well there are some tests you can take in many hospitals. Then if you will be exposed to the things you are alergic to you will know it's not a cold =P

It could very well be allergies. Although most people think of spring time as when most people have problems with allergies, depending on what you are allergic to, autumn can be just as bad.
Fall allergies are often triggered by ragweed and outdoor molds. Other triggers include certain plants that pollinate this time of year, including some weeds, trees and flowers, like sagebrush, Russian thistle and cedar elm.

With allergies you tend to have your normal amount of energy, and your sneezes and coughes tend to be quick reactions.
With colds, you have a much lower energy level cos your body is fighting off the disease. Sneezes and coughes are slow and lumbering and take a while to build up, like you're reacting from something on the inside rather than the outside. Sweaty, clammy forehead and skin, feeling too hot or cold are other signs it could be a cold. Hope this helps!