Do I Have a Cold or the Flu? What’s the Difference Between a Bad Cold and the Flu?

Oliver Campbell December 5, 2022

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Sniffle. Sneeze. Cough. Wheeze. Sure, it’s that point once more: chilly and flu season. However whereas the 2 are inclined to flare up on the identical schedule—and we’re seeing a lot of that proper now—it’s necessary to know the distinction relating to prognosis and therapy of each colds and flus. And COVID, too! Here is your information.

Chilly or Flu? Here is the Distinction

Viruses are the wrongdoer for each chilly and flu. You possibly can blame sneaky little rhinoviruses to your chilly. And you’ll blame the influenza virus to your bout with the flu.

Flu signs and chilly signs can appear comparable at first, but when your situation quickly worsens it’s extra more likely to be the flu.

Chilly signs

Nasal congestion
Cough
Runny nostril
Fever of 99-101 levels

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Flu signs

Nasal congestion
Cough
Runny nostril
Fever of 102 levels or larger
Headache
Muscle ache
Extreme fatigue

“I ask my sufferers, ‘Do you are feeling like a Mack truck simply ran by way of you?’” stated Dr. Jack Chou, who serves on the board of administrators of the American Academy of Household Physicians. That sort of crushing weak point is a positive signal of the flu.

One other key distinction between the chilly and the flu: a chilly is unlikely to trigger any problems. However influenza can lead to serious health complications, like pneumonia, myocarditis (irritation of the guts), and encephalitis (irritation of the mind), based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC). Older adults (over 65), younger youngsters, pregnant ladies and other people with sure continual well being situations are at higher threat, too.

As of mid-January 2020, the CDC had logged about 120,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths from flu throughout this flu season.

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Methods to Keep away from Getting the Flu

One of the simplest ways to keep away from the flu altogether is to get vaccinated, whether or not by flu shot or nasal spray. The CDC recommends everybody 6 months and older get a flu vaccine yearly. Wholesome individuals between the ages of two and 49 can select the nasal spray vaccine if they don’t have any conflicting health conditions.

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Methods to Deal with Chilly and Flu Signs

When you do contract the flu, a physician can prescribe an antiviral medicine to assist scale back its severity—however provided that taken inside about 48 hours of onset. After that, normal supportive remedy—and time to recuperate—are just about your solely choices.

Chilly or flu, relaxation ought to be the primary merchandise in your to-do record for not less than a number of days. Be sure you’re up-to-date on flu information, and take a look at these different tried-and-true suggestions for placing your self on the street to restoration.

Flu Restoration Ideas

Drink loads of water.

Usually individuals don’t really feel like consuming or ingesting after they’re ailing, which results in dehydration. Staying hydrated is probably one of the vital necessary issues you are able to do while you’re sick, together with getting loads of relaxation. So hold a bottle of water by your facet and take frequent sips.

Follow salt water

Rinse your sinuses with saline answer by way of a neti pot, or use an off-the-shelf saline nasal rinse to scrub away a few of that congestion. “All of these will skinny out mucus and make you are feeling higher,” says Chou. Gargle with a salt water combination can even scale back sinus strain and ease a sore throat.

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Take antipyretic meds

Antipyretics are medicine that scale back fever, just like the pain-relievers acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Chou says that both is okay for wholesome adults, though he often recommends acetaminophen for adults over age 65.

Take OTC cough meds should you want them

There are two primary sorts: expectorants and antitussives. Expectorants include the ingredient guaifenesin, which work to skinny out mucus. Antitussives are the meds that suppress your cough by blocking the cough reflex. A caveat: Learn the ingredient lists in case you are additionally taking every other medicine to keep away from by accident doubling up.

Be cautious about utilizing nasal steroids

A nasal steroid can carry some fast aid to a stuffed-up nostril. The AAFP notes that decongestant nasal steroid sprays shrink the nasal passages and scale back congestion, however extended use could make signs worsen while you cease utilizing it. Don’t use these for greater than two or three days.