Allergies are the result of your immune system working improperly. There is no virus or bacteria that triggers an allergic reaction in the same way that you can catch a cold.  So, no, allergies aren’t contagious. It’s all about your body’s individual inclination towards allergy.

However, if you have allergies, you most likely have your parents to thank. If you have only one parent with allergies, your own chance of having an allergy goes up to 50%. If both parents have allergies, then your chance of having allergies soars to 70% or higher. So, your genetics have a large amount to do with your chances of developing allergies.

While you can’t catch an allergy, you can inherit the tendency. Studies show clearly that allergies have much more to do with your parents than almost any other factor. However, there are theories that are looking at modern lifestyles and the lack of proper “targets” for our immune systems.

As well, it’s possible that while allergies are not contagious, a good bout of measles could actually reduce your chances of having allergies. There is research that childhood infections can help to prevent allergy by ensuring the immune system is directed towards viral and bacterial infection and away from “overreacting” to harmless substances.