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Is it a cold or the flu?
Everyone has experienced the symptoms; stuffed up/runny nose, chest congestion, coughing, etc. and they are all an annoyance. When making a trip to the pharmacy and trying to decide between the infinite number of cold and flu medications have you ever stopped and wondered "Do I have a cold or the flu?" This is a pretty tough question since many of the symptoms are common in both illnesses. Hopefully many of these questions that you may have will be answered today.
Background Information
The symptoms that you experience during a flu or cold are mostly due to your body's defense mechanisms. Sneezing, coughing, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea are all ways that your body tries to shed the virus. Unfortunately we all know that these are very unpleasant experiences and this is why it is called being sick and not being well.
Could it be a cold?
The common cold is caused by Rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses concentrate their effects in the nose. So the symptoms of a cold are generally associated with sneezing, nasal stuffiness, and runny nose. Productive or a wet cough and a sore throat are also common with a cold. These symptoms are usually not sudden and can occur at different times over a few days usually starting with a scratchy, sore throat. Most colds usually resolve after seven days, but can have lingering symptoms of a dry cough and maybe some stuffiness for another week after. A cold
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can usually be ruled out if you experience any kind of a fever, chills, severe body aches, headache, or chest discomfort.
What about the flu?
The flu is considered a more serious illness than the common cold, especially in the young and the elderly. The influenza virus is responsible for some of the deadliest epidemics on earth, so it should not be taken lightly. The flu is not concentrated to just one part of the body, but can have effects throughout the body. The most common symptoms of the flu are: fever, severe body aches, chills, unexplained tiredness, dry cough, chest discomfort, and headache. The onset of flu symptoms are rapid, usually occurring within 3-6 hours, and include high fever, chills, and body aches.
Summary
You might have the flu if you experience: fever, chills, unexplained tiredness, severe chest discomfort, or a headache
You might have a cold if you experience: a productive or wet cough, sneezing, stuffy nose, or a sore throat.
For additional information talk with your pharmacist or physician.
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