Cold Vs Flu Symptoms

Knowing the difference between the cold vs. flu symptoms are usually difficult to determine because the symptoms are similar. Even though, these two illnesses are similar, there are some identifiable symptoms that will help you determine whether you have a cold or the flu.

A few days after you catch a cold, you may have a sore throat, runny nose and later congestion. At these early stages, you are more likely to spread your germs to others.  As time progresses, you will notice that your nasal secretions, which started out thin and watery is thick and dark.  Then, coughing starts and in some instances fever, but these symptoms disappears in roughly one week gradually.  

Flu symptoms occur rapidly in comparison to cold symptoms, and they are usually more severe. Some symptoms that you may face with if you have the flu include fever, sore throat, congestion, coughing, muscular aches, soreness, headache and fatigue. Most of these symptoms will dissipate within a week. However, the coughing and fatigue may continue for weeks, and you may have a fever with very high temperature as well. In severe cases, flu symptoms may cause dehydration, pneumonia as well as other infections and may lead to hospitalization.

People suffering from flu symptoms often have serious side effects that require treatment with antiviral medication early during diagnosis. Patients suffering from cold symptoms seldom require medication. The flu often affects the weakest members of our community such as children, elderly, heart patients, as well as patients afflicted with lung disease more so than the cold.

Washing your hands often diminishes your chance of getting a cold, and the flu requires a flu shot to prevent flu symptoms. To treat the cold, you can use home remedies or use over-the-counter medications, and to treat your flu symptoms a prescription is necessary within 48 hours of your flu symptoms. High risk patients who suffer from asthma and lung illness may obtain antibiotics to prevent severe flu complications.

When you suspect the flu or cold, try your best determine which one you have. The faster you know what illness you have the faster you can cure the condition and consider having a flu shot if you do not take one yearly.