If you’ve developed a sore throat, runny nose, and body aches, and you’re feeling generally unwell, you likely have a cold or the flu. These common respiratory illnesses are typically contracted during the late fall and winter months.
Although colds and the flu are both viral infections, they have different causes, symptoms, and levels of severity.
Knowing if you have a cold or the flu can be helpful for at-home self-care and determining if you need more expert-level care from Elaine Phuah, DO, MBA, FACOI, Leon Tio, DO, MA, FACOI, and the rest of our team at Clover Internal Medicine Associates in Fort Worth, Texas.
Let’s look at the differences between a cold and the flu, as well as treatments that can help.
A cold is the most common infection caused by the rhinovirus. Like many respiratory illnesses, colds are contracted through close contact with others.
When someone has a cold and their infected sneeze or cough droplets land on surfaces or other people, the virus spreads. Colds usually develop about 1-3 days after exposure.
When you have a cold, symptoms usually come on gradually, and it may take you a day or two to realize you’re even sick. Common symptoms of colds include:
Colds typically last 10-14 days, with a gradual onset of symptoms that tend to peak over a few days, and then gradually taper off. You may feel uncomfortable, but symptoms are usually manageable with cough suppressants, rest, and other home care remedies.
The flu is caused by the influenza A, B, and C viruses. Just like the common cold, the flu is spread by coming into contact with respiratory droplets of those who already have the flu. It typically takes 2-3 days for the flu to develop after exposure to the virus.
While cold symptoms come on gradually, flu symptoms tend to appear with greater intensity. Common flu symptoms include:
The flu is often harder to recover from than a cold and may leave you sick in bed for several days. In addition, health complications, such as severe dehydration, bronchitis, and pneumonia, are more likely when you have the flu.
Even though these viruses can be miserable and tough to deal with, they are often treatable at home with rest, increased fluid intake, decongestants, and pain-relieving and fever-reducing medications.
However, if you find that your symptoms don’t improve as expected or you start having difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or a very high fever, don’t wait to seek medical care.
While there is no cure for the common cold, we can help ease your symptoms so that you can rest and recover more quickly.
Antiviral therapies for the flu offer a quicker recovery but are most effective if started within two to three days of symptom onset.
For compassionate care of a cold or the flu, look no further than our team at Clover Internal Medicine Associates. Schedule an appointment by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.
