Is it the Flu or a Cold?

Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause each. Because they have similar symptoms, it can be challenging to tell them apart. Differences between the two include:

• Influenza symptoms tend to be much worse than cold symptoms and come on suddenly. Cold symptoms tend to arrive gradually.
• You typically know when you have influenza. You’ll have a high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, chills, fatigue and aching muscles/joints. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can also occur with influenza in young children and the elderly, but these symptoms by themselves typically indicate a stomach bug.
• Colds typically only come with a sore throat and runny nose. They’re also more common than influenza.
• Colds will make you feel under-the-weather for a few days, whereas influenza will make you feel very ill for a few days to weeks.

In general, influenza is more intense than a cold and can result in serious health problems which can lead to hospitalization. If you suspect you have influenza, see your primary care provider for a prescription antiviral drug.