Telling the Difference Between the Cold and the Flu

It can be difficult even for a doctor to tell the difference sometimes between a cold and the flu until the doctor examines the individual. The cold and the flu share similar symptoms. There are differences though and if you are aware of these differences you can tell the cold and the flu apart.

It is rare for a person with a cold to have a fever. When a person has the flu they can have a fever that can be from 100°F to 102°F or higher especially in children. People who have a cold do not usually have a headache but they do have headaches when they have the flu. You may feel a little achy with a cold but with the flu you often have severe aches and pains. You may feel tired when you have the cold especially if the coughing keeps you up at night but when you have the flu you have an extreme fatigue and weakness that can last from two weeks to 3 weeks and longer if you are elderly. In fact those individuals with the flu can feel like they are suffering from exhaustion when they first get the flu.

When you have a cold you always have a stuffy, runny nose and sometimes with the flu you may also have the same symptom. You may even sneeze with the flu in fact that is one way that the flu virus is passed from one person to another is by sneezing and coughing and not covering your nose and mouth. When you have a cold you always cough and sneeze. When you have a cold it is common to have mild to moderate chest congestion and discomfort because of the cough but with the flu the chest congestion can turn into something severe such as bacterial pneumonia.

Treating the cold and flu can also be similar. When you have a cold you often stay in bed for the first day or at least sleep in longer than usual. Resting is one way you can help your body to heal when it is sick. When you have a cold you suffer from mucus production and drinking fluids is a very good thing to help thin them out and make breathing easier. Your doctor may recommend antihistamines, decongestants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help treat your cold symptoms. To feel better when you have the flu your doctor will tell you to get lots of rest, in fact you may be in bed for several days when you have the flu due to the weakness and extreme fatigue most people feel when they have the flu. Drinking lot of liquids especially hot liquids can make you feel a lot better when you have the flu. It can also help to avoid dehydration especially if you have vomiting or diahhrea. Your doctor may advise you to take antihistamines, decongestants for your stuffy or runny nose and acetaminophen for your aches and pains. Antiviral medications can be given in the first 48 hours of getting the flu to shorten the time you have the flu and to lessen the affects of the flu.

The best way to prevent the cold and the flu is to wash your hands frequently especially before eating. It is best to avoid contact with anyone who is coughing or sneezing, who has a cold or flu. You can get yearly flu vaccinations to help prevent the flu or to lessen the affects of the flu. 

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