It can be tough to determine whether you have a cold or the flu, as they share many symptoms. While we always recommend seeing a provider at ExperCARE for an official diagnosis, some key distinctions might help you understand what you’re dealing with before you come in.
Cold Vs. Flu: Comparing Symptoms
Colds generally cause milder symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. You might also experience a sore throat and cough.
While you can experience all of those symptoms with the flu as well, the flu often brings intense symptoms like:
- High fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Discerning the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone can be challenging because of some overlap. A cough and sore throat can occur with the flu, for example.
ExperCARE provides walk-in, on-demand primary care and urgent care, 7 days a week with extended hours, and accepts both self-pay and insurance.
No appointment is ever needed!
Visit one of our locations in the greater areas of Savannah, GA, or Tuscaloosa, AL.
Symptom Onset & Impact
Other differences include how quickly and how often symptoms appear.
Cold symptoms tend to develop gradually, while flu symptoms tend to strike suddenly. One day, you might feel fine, and the next, you’re hit with intense chills, fever, and body aches.
Also, colds are more common than the flu. Adults experience an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. This high prevalence is due to the many different viruses that can cause a cold, making it difficult for our bodies to build up immunity to all of them.
While not as frequent as colds, the flu still affects millions of people each year in the US, leading to a significant number of hospitalizations.
The CDC estimates that Americans have experienced 9–41 million illnesses of the flu since 2010. The flu has also been responsible for up to 710,000 hospitalizations and 52,000 deaths annually in that time span.
Treatment Options
Unfortunately, there’s no “cure” for either a cold or the flu. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms.
Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications for fever, aches, and congestion can help you manage cold symptoms and recover faster.
For the flu, the providers at ExperCARE might prescribe antiviral medications to shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the severity of your symptoms. They work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you’re unsure whether you have a cold or the flu, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see the providers at ExperCARE. This is particularly important if your symptoms are severe or if you have any underlying health conditions.
Prevention Strategies
One of the most effective ways to prevent colds and the flu is to practice good hygiene.
Wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and disinfect surfaces that are touched often. Getting your annual flu shot can also significantly reduce your risk of getting the flu.
ExperCARE: Your Partner in Health
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, WALK IN to ExperCARE today–no appointment is ever needed! Click here to find your nearest ExperCARE today.
Our experienced healthcare providers can offer a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations to help you get back on your feet.
Don’t let a cold or the flu slow you down – seek prompt medical care and get on the road to recovery!
