Understanding the Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms

There are dozens, even hundreds, of words to describe the physical symptoms we experience when we get sick. It’s not always easy to talk about, but these troubling details can be important signs that tell the difference between a cold and the flu (seasonal “flu”).

Do you have a dry or wheezing cough or sneezing? Did your fever start right away or did it develop over a few days? Identifying symptoms early allows you to take appropriate action quickly. You can recover from illness and protect others from illness.

So how can you tell the difference between flu symptoms and cold symptoms? Here’s what you need to know.

How to tell the difference between flu and cold symptoms: 

What are the symptoms of influenza:

What is the flu? Symptoms appear quickly: People are often surprised. Symptoms of influenza appear quickly. It depends on how serious the disease becomes. Classically, the flu begins with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, mild headache, and fatigue. 

Other symptoms such as a runny nose and cough may also occur. You feel sick and feel sick quickly. How long does influenza last? The onset of influenza usually occurs about 1 to 4 days after infection, and symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days. However, the feeling of fatigue may last for several more days. 

How long do colds last: 

Colds develop gradually and usually last longer than the flu. Cold bacteria are contagious for the first three days. Also, while a cough and stuffy nose can last up to three weeks, other cold symptoms that last longer than a week, such as fever, chest discomfort, and sinus pain, may be signs of a bacterial or sinus infection. 

If you have long-term symptoms, don’t ignore them. Please consult your doctor. They can help diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan. 

Colds usually do not cause significant fever:

When you catch a cold, you may experience some fever, but it is rarely a severe fever. Although you can get the flu without having a fever, the flu usually causes a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit that lasts for several days. Flu fever can rise quickly. This is a common flu symptom, especially in children. Be careful with small children and the elderly, as they are more prone to complications. Also, continue to drink fluids and get plenty of rest. 

A dry cough is a sign of the flu:

A cough can be a symptom of both a cold and the flu, but the type of cough you experience can be very different. Influenza causes a dry cough that doesn’t produce mucus. However, colds tend to produce mucus, so coughs with moist sputum are often seen. 

Sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose are more common cold symptoms:

If you have these symptoms, there is a high possibility that you have a cold. Sneezing and stuffy nose can accompany the flu, but are more common when you have a cold. 

The flu is accompanied by muscle pain:

Muscle pain is common with the flu but rare with the common cold. If you have a fever and aches all over your body, you almost certainly have the flu.

Extreme fatigue is a tell-tale sign of the flu:

If your symptoms last for a long time or you feel extremely tired, the flu may be the culprit. Even after other flu symptoms have subsided, you may feel tired for several days. On the other hand, colds rarely interfere with daily life. I think everyone has caught a cold at least once. A cold may be accompanied by a mild fever, aches, and a cough. But if you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, you’re more likely to have the flu. 

Differences in symptoms between COVID-19, colds, and flu: 

Similar to the common cold and flu, COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus that causes respiratory symptoms. is. teeth. teeth. teeth. Therefore, all three diseases may share many of the same symptoms. 

As COVID-19 changes and different variants are created, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and the flu or common cold. It’s becoming. Some COVID-19 variants, like Delta, can cause high fevers along with a persistent dry cough, similar to flu symptoms. However, the symptoms of the Omicron variant are more similar to cold symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sore throat, and headaches. 

This means if you have flu or cold symptoms, you can still get the coronavirus even if you’ve been vaccinated. Did you know you can still get the flu even after getting the flu shot? Similarly, even if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can still get the flu. -19) However, serious symptoms may not develop. 

It is unlikely that it will come out. How to get rid of a cold or flu quickly: 

Home remedies if you think you have the flu What to do if you catch a cold Let’s start with home remedies for colds and flu. You should stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a fever. In fact, it is always recommended to stay home for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications after your fever has subsided. Here are some steps you can take at home to feel better.

Get enough rest. 

Drink lots of fluids (especially water). 

Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can lower your body temperature and reduce headaches and muscle pain. 

WARNING: 

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to children or teens who have the flu because it is less likely to cause the fatal Reye syndrome. 

Get advice from a nurse: 

Care Line provides direct access to a nurse 24/7. The best part is that it’s completely free. Our nurses can help you decide if you should see a doctor and advise you on additional home remedies. 

Get treatment and care without leaving your home: Whether you’re homebound with a fever or not yet ready to go out, you can get quality cold and flu treatment online. 

Schedule a video visit and meet with your doctor or clinician.

Start visiting Virtuwell for 24/7 treatment without an appointment. Just answer a few questions and get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a certified nurse.

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