How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

1/22/2018

Naples, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2018) Colds and the flu often occur around the same time of year and both have similar, unpleasant symptoms. While it can be hard to differentiate between the two, it’s important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.

The common cold
The most common symptoms of a cold are within the respiratory system and include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these symptoms is available through over-the-counter medication designed to target the various symptoms.

For example:

• Antihistamines can help control a running nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
• Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
• Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
• Expectorants loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating chest congestion and discomfort.

The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medication and monitor for symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, your cold may have developed into an advanced respiratory illness in the form of an ear infection, sinus infection or bronchitis. If this occurs, you should seek treatment from your doctor.

“It can be difficult to differentiate if upper respiratory symptoms are due to the common cold or influenza since they are both caused by viruses and both affect the upper respiratory tract,” said Dr. Andrea Bickerton, Board Certified Family Medicine physician at Physicians Regional Medical Group. “One of the biggest differences is the severity of your symptoms and how rapidly they begin.”

The flu
While both a cold and the flu generally attack the respiratory system producing many or all of the same symptoms, flu can affect the entire body. Additional symptoms associated with flu include a fever between 100 F and 104 F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea.

To confirm a diagnosis of flu, your doctor will swab your nose or throat to test for the virus. Test results are usually available within 30 minutes. For the most accurate results, the test should be performed within four to five days of onset of symptoms. The tests are fairly accurate, and can give a positive diagnosis about 50-70 percent of the time. If the test indicates you don’t have the flu, it’s even more accurate, at a 90-95 percent rate.

With a mild case, flu can be treated with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication targeting the symptoms. If your case of flu is more severe, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. Anti-nausea medications help with stomach discomfort and vomiting while acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation. Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu® or Relenza, shorten the duration of the flu and lessen the serious complications; however, antiviral medications work best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick. These medications are particularly important for children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses who are particularly vulnerable to catching and experiencing complications from the flu.

As with a cold, if symptoms persist longer than three to five days, or become increasingly severe, see your doctor. The flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in patients who are older or have compromised immune systems, and may require more intense medical treatment or even hospitalization.

“While anyone can get the flu, there are certain groups who are at higher risk complications related to the flu and they should seek medical attention as soon as their symptoms begin to reduce those risks,” said Dr. Bickerton. “There is no way to guarantee you will never get the flu, but there are certain things everyone can do to help reduce the risk and spread.”

The best way to avoid contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. Washing your hands frequently, not touching your face with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who have a cold can be a strong defense and help reduce the risk of spreading it.

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