Both the common cold and the flu are viral illnesses that affect the upper respiratory tract. Both enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes. And both make you feel sick. So what is the difference?
Common Cold
The common cold is a milder infection compared to the flu. A cold starts off usually with nasal congestion, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Only occasionally is there a slight fever (temperature greater than 100.4 F). Cold symptoms also only last for about a week and tend to stay in the upper airways. While the symptoms are not fun, the common cold is usually mild, and you can often go to school or work.
Treatment for a cold is focused on managing the symptoms. Over-the-counter medications help relieve sinus and nasal congestion and pain and fever. Staying well-hydrated and getting plenty of rest is important to recover faster.
Influenza aka The Flu
Influenza, on the other hand, can make you feel sick very quickly and is stronger than a cold. Symptoms include sore throat, headache, moderate to severe fatigue, fever of 100 to 102 F degrees, body and muscle aches, nasal congestion, cough and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. The weakness and fatigue can even last up to 2 to 3 weeks. Newborns, young children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of developing further complications, like pneumonia, sinus infections and bronchitis. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get the yearly flu vaccine to reduce the risk of being hospitalized, being infected with the flu and death.
If you see a doctor within 48 hours of developing symptoms and test positive for flu, you may receive a prescription for antiviral medications to shorten the length of the flu symptoms. Overall, treatment involves staying well-hydrated, resting, and using over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. Stay home when you are sick with the flu, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and clean your hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid contact with others to prevent transmission and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the risk of catching the flu.
If you have worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain or high fever, please seek immediate medical care.
Dr. Chittari is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.