When you have a sore throat or sniffles, your first thought may be that it is allergies, but it could be a cold or the flu, which are both contagious. In fact, both the common cold and the flu are especially spread easily in the fall and winter. There are ways to tell the difference and to know when you need to seek medical attention.
“While colds and the flu share some symptoms, the flu usually comes on faster and hits harder,” Bayhealth Physician Narnal Ilyas, MD, said. “Recognizing the signs early helps you make smart decisions about treatment and recovery.”
Colds are typically mild and develop gradually. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing and mild fatigue. Feber is uncommon in adults but can occur in children. Flu symptoms, on the other hand, appear suddenly and tend to be more severe. They often include a high fever, body aches, chills, dry cough, headache and extreme tiredness.
“Think of a cold as a slow inconvenience and the flu as a sudden disruption,” Ilyas said. “With the flu, you usually remember the exact moment you started feeling better.”
Most cold and flu cases can be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications. Stay home from work or school to avoid spreading illness. Use tissues when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands often and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, contact your doctor for advice if symptoms worsen or last more than a few days.
Ilya recommends that if you have a fever that lasts more than three days, worsening cough or chest discomfort, ear pain or sinus pressure or symptoms that improve and then return worse than before, you should see a doctor.
Tests can be run to see if you have the flu and there are anti-viral medications available if you are seen within the first 48 hours of symptoms. Early treatment can shorten illness and reduce complications.
If you are having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, confusion or trouble waking up, persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down and/or a high fever that is not responding to medication, visit the Emergency Department. Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should seek care sooner, as they’re more at risk for serious complications.
The best protection against the flu is an annual flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and maintaining a healthy lifestyle also help lower your chances of getting sick.
“Getting your flu shot each year is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you,” Ilyas said.
Although colds and flu can look similar, but their severity and speed of onset set them apart. Rest, stay hydrated and know when to call your clinician. If symptoms become severe, do not hesitate to seek emergency care.
For more about flu prevention, connect with Bayhealth family medicine services online.
