The Difference Between a Flu and a Cold
We all end up sick at some point in the year. It is probably more likely to happen in the winter but it can happen any time of the year really. It can be difficult to determine if you have a cold or the flu when you do get sick.
The same virus does not cause a cold and the flu. Influenza A or B is the virus responsible for flu while there is no limit to the number of different cold viruses that can infect us. This really only matters to your doctor, though. You really need to know what the different symptoms are for the flu and a cold and how to tell them apart.
Cold Symptoms
- A phlegm producing cough
- Nose problems like sneezing, stuffiness and irritation
- No fever or a very low fever
- You start to feel bad over a period of a few days, not right away
Flu Symptoms
- Chills and a fever of over 100 and up to 104 degrees
- A dry hacking cough
- Tiredness and muscle pain, which may be severe
- Aches and discomfort in your head
- Sudden symptoms that get worse quickly
Treating a Cold or Flu
You really can’t do much for a common cold except let it work its way through your body. There are over-the-counter medicines that will reduce your symptoms. Most colds last no longer than 10 days. Any longer and you should go to the doctor to make sure there isn’t something else going on like a bacterial infection.
The flu can be diagnosed easily with a quick test by your doctor. If you get to the doctor fast enough, you may be able to take a prescription to reduce the severity and length of the flu. The best thing to do for a flu is take it easy and stay hydrated until your symptoms go away, which can be a week or two if no prescription is taken. The flu can turn into something worse like pneumonia so listen to your doctor carefully and do what your doctor says.
If you get a flu shot, you can reduce but not eliminate your chances of getting the flu. Flu vaccines only work for certain strains of the flu so if you catch one not included in the shot, you will still get sick. Eat well and don’t get overtired if you don’t get a flu shot to reduce your chances of getting the flu. If a family member gets the flu, you may be able to take antiviral medicine to keep you from getting it as well.
The flu is much more serious than the common cold. You need to be educated about what symptoms to look for so you can get treated for the right thing as quickly as possible so don’t wait too long to go to the doctor.
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