Know The Difference Between Common Cold and Flu Symptoms
You know the feeling — you wake up one morning with a scratchy throat and a case of the sniffles. While it’s reasonable to simply brush it off as a common cold, it’s important to distinguish between the common cold and the flu. These respiratory illnesses share several common symptoms but differ in severity and potential health complications. By recognizing the symptoms early, you can manage your illness more effectively and get the support you need from a healthcare provider. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of the common cold and the flu, and find out when you should consider seeking medical attention.
Common Cold Symptoms
The common cold is a viral infection primarily caused by rhinoviruses. It presents with a variety of symptoms that typically emerge within one to three days and are less severe than the flu. Symptoms of the common cold include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Mild body aches
The average duration of the common cold is seven to 10 days, while some patients may experience symptoms for as long as three weeks.
Flu Symptoms
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Compared to the common cold, the flu poses more significant health concerns, especially in vulnerable groups such as older adults and young children. The onset of symptoms is typically between one and four days, with symptoms lasting five to seven days on average. Notable symptoms of the flu include:
- High fever (above 100.4°F)
- Severe muscle or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Dry cough (little to no mucus production)
- Headaches
When To Seek Medical Attention
Whether it’s a case of the flu or a common cold, most people recover by resting at home and taking OTC medications to reduce the severity of symptoms. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness and confusion
- Seizures
- Severe muscle pain
- High fever that doesn’t subside with OTC medication
- Symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Both the common cold and the flu are highly contagious, which is why it’s necessary to practice good hygiene such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. To reduce the severity of flu symptoms and lower your chances of infection, it is highly recommended to get an annual flu vaccine when they are made available to the public. Because it takes two weeks to develop antibodies after getting your flu vaccine, it is best to schedule your vaccination sooner rather than later to ensure you are protected when cold and flu season begins.
When cold and flu symptoms escalate, turn to Midwest Express Clinic’s experienced healthcare providers. With over 50 locations open daily across Northwest Indiana and Illinois, we offer the comprehensive care you need to feel better and stay healthy. Visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations to find urgent care near you.
