In the cold and flu aisle of any drug store there will be a dizzying array of over the counter medications to help treat the symptoms and aid the recovery of these common viral infections. Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu can be difficult as many of the symptoms of these respiratory illnesses are very similar. They are, however caused by different viruses and the flu may have more serious symptoms and complications.
Symptoms
Most colds and flus occur during the winter months between November and March, even in warm climates. The symptoms caused by these illnesses may vary from person to person and do not always follow the same pattern; the common symptoms of a cold or the flu such as fever, sneezing and a runny nose are all ways that the body deals with the disease and helps to heal and rid itself of the virus.
Cold Symptoms
In the United States, colds are the cause for more visits to the doctor than any other reason says the American Lung Association; adults get on average about two to four colds a year and children, about six to eight colds a year. The symptoms are generally mild, last about seven days and are centered on the nose.
- Slow onset
- No fever or a low grade one about 100-101, although may be higher in younger children
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Mild exhaustion but can continue with everyday functions
- No headache
- Normal appetite
- No muscle aches
- No chills
- Does not cause hospitalization or death
Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can last up to two weeks and can be a much more serious illness than a cold. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from flu complications and 20,000 of these are children. Around 36,000 people die every year from flu-related causes.
- Fast onset
- High fever above 102 or higher for 3-4 days
- Runny nose with yellow or green secretions
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Severe exhaustion and very hard to continue with everyday functions
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- May have vomiting and diarrhea
- May lead to pneumonia and bacterial infections
- May cause hospitalization or death
Prevention and Treatment
The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for younger children, older adults and others that may be at risk. At this time there is no vaccine for the common cold as there are so many different viruses that cause this illness, over 200, that it is difficult to create a vaccine to prevent all strains.
Usually colds and the flu can be treated at home and a doctor does not need to be consulted unless complications arise. Treat with rest, hydration and supplements. A cold or flu cannot be cured but over the counter medications may be used to relieve some of the symptoms until feeling better.
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