are allergies contagious?

Question:

For example: if a coworker sneeses constantly during the whole day near you, ¿can I be infected too?

Answers:
allergies are a response to allergens (ie pollen, pet dander etc.). In response to allergens, your allergies are cause by the bodys release of histamines. Some allergies can be acquired over time or indicative immediately after exposure to an allergen.

Allergens are typically caused non-living factors like food, medicine, pet dander and not by living factors like bacteria or viruses. Bacteria and Viruses are classified as "infections" and not allergies.

If your coworker has a cold, then yes you can get that. It's caused by a virus that can be spread in mucous and water droplets from the lungs, but if its only allergies you are completely fine!

[edit]

In regards to Germacidal's post.

You can receive an infection secondary to an allergy, but the allergy it self is not the cause. To receive an infection, you must come in contact with a bacterium or viron that successfully penetrates into your body.

Secondly, just because you have a severe allergy to plant pollen or other airborne allergens does not indicate your likeliness to get an infection.

Be sure to wash your hands often especially before eating and drinking. This should decrease your chances of contracting an infection.

Other Answers:
allergies are not contagious however the common cold is very contagious. If the coworker has allergies, then you have no worries.

Allergies ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS.There is no such case..Your co-worker probably have a flu or just a cold.As a precaution stay away from him,the flu with certainty is contagious. Don't worry..Be happy!

B_Tizzle had a good answer.

allergies themselves are not contagious. you can definately get an infection secondary to allergies, in which case, yes it can be contagious. keep away from anyone who is sneezing. you might request the person to go home.
Source(s):
I am a Respiratory Therapist

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are allergies contagious?

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