Flu v Cold

Comparing the Flu v Cold

Most people are confused when it comes to identifying the flu v cold.  If you are like many others, you are probably wondering which one you have and how to treat your symptoms properly so that you can feel better faster.  It is more important than you realize that you can tell the difference between the two.  While a cold is a respiratory illness like the flu, it is much milder and symptoms generally only last for a few days, the flu is much more severe and can leave you feeling miserable for weeks.  Not to mention, many people die from the flu every year so it is crucial for it to be recognized and treated properly.

Cold Symptoms and Duration

When comparing flu v cold, it is necessary to thoroughly take a look at both illnesses.  Colds typically start with a sore throat that will often go away in a couple days.  Runny nose as well as congestion follows shortly after and by the fourth or fifth day, a pretty good cough has probably developed.  Children often have a fever but adults rarely do.  When you have a cold, your nasal secretions are very watery in the beginning and then they get darker and thicker.

A cold usually lasts a total of a week.  You are contagious and should stay away from people the first three days.  Rest is about the best thing for a cold so call in sick and stay in bed!

Flu Symptoms and Duration

Now to look at the other side of the flu v cold comparison, you will find a lot of similarities but also a few extreme differences.  While the flu symptoms are like the cold, they are much more severe leaving you weaker, achy, more tired and a high fever is almost always present.  Not to mention, there are no warning signs with the flu.  When you are coming down with a cold, you often know a day or two in advance by a scratchy throat so you have time to boost your immune system with extra vitamins and natural remedies.  However, with the flu, symptoms come on fast!  It is not uncommon to leave for work in the morning feeling a little off and by lunch be burning up and longing for your bed.

Most of the symptoms of the flu will  improve very slowly over the next three to five days but you can feel rundown for another week.  Pneumonia is a complication often resulted from the flu, especially with the elderly, children or individuals with heart or lung problems.  Anytime you experience a shortness of breath with the flu, you need to see a doctor.

Both cold and flu viruses enter into your body via mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes and nose.  Keep in mind that every single time you touch one of these areas, it is quite possible that you are infecting yourself.

When to Call a Doctor

It is not always necessary to venture to the doctor’s office at the first sign of a cold or the flu.  Since antibiotics will not treat either virus, your doctor will probably tell you to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids and then provide you with a bill.  However, it is also important to understand that while the flu and the cold will remedy themselves most of the time, there are some symptoms that absolutely warrant a doctor visit.

• Painful Swallowing – A sore throat will cause discomfort but if you are experiencing severe pain, you could have strep throat that absolutely must be treated by a doctor.

• Persistent Fever – This very well could be an indication that you have some other type of bacterial infection.

• Persistent Headaches and Congestion – Severe congestion can lead to sinus passage blockage which can result in a sinus infection.  After a week if you have pain around your eyes and/or a thick nasal discharge, you may need antibiotics.

• Persistent Coughing – If your cough persists longer than two weeks you could have bronchitis which also may need antibiotics.

You should also visit a doctor immediately if you experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness or persistent vomiting.  As you see, the flu v cold signs are very similar and will usually both remedy themselves but severe symptoms should not be taken lightly.