Are They Flu or Cold Symptoms?
Are They Flu or Cold Symptoms?
Most flu symptoms gradually improve over two to five days, but it's not uncommon to feel run down for a week or more. A common complication of the flu is pneumonia, particularly in the young, elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. If you notice shortness of breath, let your doctor know. Another common sign of pneumonia is fever that comes back after having been gone for a day or two.
Just like cold viruses, flu viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth. Every time you touch your hand to one of these areas, you could be infecting yourself with a virus, which makes it very important to keep hands germ-free with frequent washing to prevent both flu and cold symptoms.
How do you know if you have flu or cold symptoms? Take your temperature, say many experts. Flu symptoms often mimic cold symptoms with nasal congestion, cough, aches, and malaise. But a common cold rarely has symptoms of fever above 101 degrees. With flu symptoms, you will probably have a fever initially with the flu virus and you will feel miserable. Body and muscle aches are also more common with the flu. This table can help determine if you have cold or flu symptoms.
Usually, the time of year will give you some sense of what you're dealing with. The standard flu season runs from fall to spring of the next year.
In this article
- What are common cold symptoms?
- How long do cold symptoms last?
- What are common flu symptoms?
- Is it flu or cold symptoms?
- When do I call the doctor with flu or cold symptoms?
- Can I prevent flu or cold symptoms?
What are common flu symptoms? continued...
Most flu symptoms gradually improve over two to five days, but it's not uncommon to feel run down for a week or more. A common complication of the flu is pneumonia, particularly in the young, elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. If you notice shortness of breath, let your doctor know. Another common sign of pneumonia is fever that comes back after having been gone for a day or two.
Just like cold viruses, flu viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth. Every time you touch your hand to one of these areas, you could be infecting yourself with a virus, which makes it very important to keep hands germ-free with frequent washing to prevent both flu and cold symptoms.
Is it flu or cold symptoms?
How do you know if you have flu or cold symptoms? Take your temperature, say many experts. Flu symptoms often mimic cold symptoms with nasal congestion, cough, aches, and malaise. But a common cold rarely has symptoms of fever above 101 degrees. With flu symptoms, you will probably have a fever initially with the flu virus and you will feel miserable. Body and muscle aches are also more common with the flu. This table can help determine if you have cold or flu symptoms.
Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
Fever | Sometimes, usually mild | Usual; higher (100-102 F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
Headache | Occasionally | Common |
General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last 2 to 3 weeks |
Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
Complications | Sinus congestion; middle ear infection | Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
Prevention | Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold | Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms; get the annual flu vaccine |
Treatment | Decongestants; pain reliever/fever reducer medicines | Decongestants, pain relievers, or fever reducers are available over the counter; over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to young children; prescription antiviral drugs for flu may be given in some cases; call your doctor for more information about treatment. |
Usually, the time of year will give you some sense of what you're dealing with. The standard flu season runs from fall to spring of the next year.
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