Feeling Ill? How to Tell the Difference Between a Flu & a Cold

Flu season and cold season coexist. When you start to get sick, it might be hard to tell which condition you have. Although flu and colds are caused by viruses, there are some definite differences in symptoms. Here’s how to tell the difference.

About Influenza

Flu is the short name for influenza, a highly contagious viral disease of the respiratory tract. Flu season runs roughly from November to April. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population is affected by flu each year. The elderly and children are most likely to become very ill and/or suffer complications.

About Colds

A cold can occur at any time of the year. Like flu, colds are caused by viruses. However, there are at least 200 different viruses that can cause cold symptoms. Rarely, a cold can become pneumonia. In most cases, a cold is self-limiting and people recover without complications.

Flu Symptoms

The speed and severity of symptoms are the tip-off that you’re dealing with flu rather than a cold. With flu you’ll typically feel very sick in a short time. A temperature of 100-102°F or higher is common. So are headache, severe aches and pains, a hacking cough, exhaustion and ongoing fatigue. Flu symptoms typically last at least a week.

Cold Symptoms

A cold is most likely to begin with a sore throat. Some people have a headache or complain of mild aching. People with a cold may not have a fever or it may be only slightly elevated. You’ll probably have a stuffy nose and sneezing, and may have a cough. The most striking difference is that when you have a cold it is unusual to feel exhausted. Symptoms diminish within a few days.

Treatment Recommendations

Over the counter medications are usually helpful for a cold, and a day or two of rest is also a good idea. Antibiotics don’t affect viruses. For someone with a bad case of the flu, prescription medications such as cough suppressants may be necessary. There are also some antiviral medications available from your doctor or the nearest urgent care clinic.

Keeping your immune system strong is one of the best ways to protect yourself from infections of any kind. Eat healthy and get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Regular exercise helps strengthen immunity. Wash your hands frequently. An annual flu shot may offer additional protection from influenza (but not a cold).