Cold vs. Flu: Does it matter?

Over-the-counter drugs and chicken soup help both the cold and the flu, right?

It is important to learn which kind of illness you are dealing with. That is because the flu can have serious complications, like the lung infection pneumonia. It can even be deadly. Flu treatments work best within 48 hours of the time symptoms start. Prescription antiviral drugs may cut the time you are sick.

Flu: Comes on fast and furious

If you feel like you have been hit heavily, it is probably the flu. Symptoms like sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, congestion, and cough tend to come on suddenly. Colds are usually less intense and include a runny or stuffy nose. The flu gets better over 2 to 5 days, but you might feel run-down for a week or longer. Colds come on slowly and last up to 10 days.

Fever: Usually means flu

While some people may get a slight fever when they have a cold, most don't. If you have the flu, you will probably run a temperature of 100-104⁰F. Children's flu fevers tend to be higher. Kids may also be more likely to have a fever with the common cold.

Flu: Fatigue can last for weeks

You likely start off feeling extremely tired and achy all over. That fatigue and weakness may last for up to 3 weeks -- or even longer in seniors and people with long-term (chronic) diseases or a weak immune system. With a cold, you usually feel bad for just a few days.

Colds and Flu: Both can cause headaches

Still, a headache that comes along with a cold, like other symptoms that result from the virus, tends to be milder than one caused by flu.Coughs: Sign of both colds and flu

Colds and flu are respiratory illnesses, which affect your airways, so both can cause coughing.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be a complication of the flu. See a doctor if you have a persistent cough, fever higher than 102⁰F and chills, a hard time breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain when you cough.

Earaches: Can come from colds or flu

Congestion from either ailment can make your ear pressure rise. This affects the eustachian tube, which connects your throat to your middle ear. It can cause a dull ear pain, hearing loss, and the sensation of "popping" in your ears. It usually goes away with your other symptoms.

See a doctor if the earache lasts longer than your sickness or you feel sudden, strong pain. You may have an ear infection that needs treatment. 

Colds: Often start with a sore throat

This early symptom tends to last for 1 to 2 days. A runny and stuffy nose is also common. Sore throats come with the flu, too. But if you have it, you will probably be tired and have other symptoms that come on all at once. 

Stuffy nose: May mean a cold 

Unless you are also feverish, very achy, and just plain zapped of energy, you likely have a cold -- although many people with the flu also say they have a stuffy nose and sneezing.

Both colds and the flu can lead to sinus infections. In addition to thick yellow or green nasal discharge, sinus infections can cause headaches and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and nasal bridge. The pain usually gets worse with sudden head movement or strain. Sometimes, you can get a secondary bacterial infection that needs antibiotic treatment.

Flu: Start antiviral drugs ASAP 

These medications can make you feel better and shorten your illness by 1 to 2 days -- especially if you start them within 2 days of getting sick. Over-the-counter products can also lessen some symptoms like a cough and congestion. Read labels and instructions carefully so you understand what the meds do and how to take them. 

Colds: OTC drugs can ease symptoms 

Medicines like decongestants, cough suppressants, and antihistamines can help congestion, coughing, and nasal symptoms. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can treat pain or a headache. Many cough and cold medicines have the same ingredients. Don't give aspirin to a child under 18. Using it to treat the flu has been linked to a condition called Reye's syndrome in kids.  Hand-washing is key 

Wash your hands well so you don't spread the flu to other people. Use soap and warm water. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds. Don't forget the areas between your fingers and around your nails. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers also work.

Wash often during cold and flu season, especially after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. Can't find a tissue? Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands.

Source: WebMD