How to Recognize the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu (Influenza)
Take your temperature., Think about the severity of your symptoms., Identify congestion from a cold versus the flu., Take note of chest discomfort., Consider whether you feel exhausted., Consider how fast symptoms started., Look at your eating...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Take your temperature.
A fever is one of the most common symptoms of the flu, and rarely occurs with the common cold.Measure your temperature using a home thermometer, or visit a doctor to have your temperature taken there.
The average healthy body temperature is
98.6ºF (37ºC) when measured orally (by mouth), but it's normal for this to vary by 1ºF (0.6ºC) in either direction.
The temperature reading that is considered a fever depends on your age and which type of thermometer you use:
Mouth:
100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher for adults,
99.5ºF (37.5ºC) for children Ear or Rectum (bottom): 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher for adults,
100.4ºF (38ºC) for children Armpit:
99.4ºF (37.4ºC) or higher.This is a less accurate method of measurement. -
Step 2: Think about the severity of your symptoms.
With a cold, the symptoms you experience are less severe.
While you may experience things like a runny nose, sore throat, and other ailments, you will not feel completely run down.
With the flu, symptoms will be more severe and you will likely struggle with simple tasks.During the first couple days of the flu, symptoms can include aches, chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and a flushed face.If the flu causes a high fever (103ºF /
39.4ºC or higher), you may experience hallucinations, confusion, dehydration, irritability, or convulsions., The main symptoms of a cold are often congestion-related, such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.When you have the flu, these symptoms typically appear only after the fever has run its course, after two to four days.
Nasal mucus from the flu also tends to be clear and watery, not thick.Remember to consider the severity as well.
If symptoms of congestion are debilitating, they may be caused by a fever.
They will also not be your only symptoms.
You will notice other things, such as exhaustion and general aches and pains, if you have a fever. , General discomfort centered in your chest is common when you have the flu (and accompanying fever).
It is less common when you have a cold, and tends to be more mild and related to coughing and sneezing., If you have a cold, you're generally still able to engage in daily tasks.
While you may feel tired, you will be able to get out of bed, shower, run errands, and so on.
With the flu, however, you will feel completely exhausted.
You will feel a need to lie down during the day., Colds tend to come on gradually.
You will start sniffling for a few days and then symptoms will become more severe.
The flu, however, can rapidly cause a fever.
You may go to bed feeling fine and wake up very sick., Have you noticed any changes in appetite? With a cold, you will still want food.
Your eating habits will only change slightly, if at all.
With the flu, however, you may notice you're uninterested in food altogether.
You may have no desire to eat while symptoms persist., Both the cold and the flu are contagious diseases.
Think about any sick people you've been exposed to and whether they had a cold or the flu.Cold symptoms are most contagious during the earliest stages of infection, when the disease is less severe.
If you were recently around someone who was experiencing mild sniffling or sneezing, you may have a cold.
Flu symptoms typically appear two or three days after you were exposed to the virus, but it can take anywhere from one to seven days., Colds may be common, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them.
If possible, rest at home for a couple days or until you feel better.
If you cannot miss school or work, go to bed early so you can sleep as much as you need — potentially up to 12 hours., If you think you have a cold, go for an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen.
You can also treat specific symptoms with remedies such as nasal sprays, decongestants, or cough syrups.
Always check to make sure medications do not interfere with your existing medications and follow package instructions closely.Do not take decongestants for more than five days in a row.Consult a doctor before giving medicine to young children.
Do not take aspirin if you are 18 years old or younger, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome., Drinking plenty of fluids will help you recover faster.
If you have sinus pain or a dry nose, it may also help to run a humidifier or inhale steam., Most colds go away after three or four restful days.If you feel worse after that time, or if you develop any new symptoms, see a doctor.
Some more serious problems are easily mistaken for a cold, so don't hesitate to get a checkup.
Seek medical attention right away if you feel short of breath, cough up blood or colored mucus (including yellow), or if deep breaths cause chest pain.Call a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a week, or if it is accompanied by other throat symptoms such as pain while swallowing, swollen glands, white patches, or rash.Take your temperature regularly.
If you have a fever, you may have the flu after all.
If your symptoms don't match the flu or a cold, see a doctor immediately. , If you have certain health conditions, any symptoms of a cold should be evaluated.
Even if you don't think you have a fever, see a doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
Asthma Diabetes Kidney or liver disease Lowered immunity A history of strokes or transient ischaemic attacks , Most people with mild flu symptoms start to feel better after three or four days of bed rest, and recover completely within a week or two.
Take it easy and cancel your plans — your health and the health of those around you are more important. , Drinking plenty of liquids is a basic but important treatment.
Cut out smoking and alcohol while you still have symptoms., If you are an adult and have a fever no higher than 103ºF (39.4ºC) when measured by mouth, you can treat it at home.Take an over-the-counter fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower this.
You do not need to eliminate the fever entirely; even a small drop in temperature can make you feel better.Anyone aged 18 or younger should avoid aspirin, which can cause a rare but potentially fatal illness called Reye's syndrome.
The chance is higher during a viral infection like the flu., If you have congestion or a sore throat, you can take over the counter cold medication to make yourself feel better.These just treat the symptoms, not the underlying cause, so it will work even when you have the flu.
Always check the active ingredients before you take multiple medications.
Do not take two drugs that list the same active ingredient, such as acetaminophen, as a double dose may be dangerous.
Many over the counter cold treatments combine multiple drugs and do not necessarily list them on the front of the container., A high fever may require prescription anti-viral medications to prevent more serious problems such as pneumonia.The "danger point" depends on your age:
Infants under 3 months: call a doctor immediately for a temperature of
100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher.
Children 3 months to 5 years: call a doctor immediately for a temperature of 102ºF (38.9ºC).
Adults and children age 5 or older: if an oral temperature of 104ºF (40ºC) lasts for more than 4 hours, call a doctor.
Adults 65 and older: this group is at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, and in some cases may not have a high temperature despite a bad infection.When in doubt, call a doctor. , Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:
Any fever lasting more than three days.
Inability to drink fluids without vomiting.
Meningitis symptoms such as sensitivity to bright light, a stiff neck, or a severe headache.
Any unusual symptoms, especially major mood changes, seizures, skin rash, or severe throat swelling.
Any symptoms that don't start to improve within 3 to 5 days. , The flu is more likely to cause pneumonia, bronchitis, and other complications in certain groups of people.
Taking prescription anti-viral medication within 48 hours of symptoms appearing lowers this risk, and speeds up recovery.The following people should always see a doctor as soon as they develop flu symptoms:
Anyone with a chronic or long-term medical problem, including asthma, other lung diseases, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or a blood disorder.
Anyone with a history of strokes or transient ischaemic attacks.
Anyone with a weakened immune system, for instance due to AIDS or chemotherapy.
Women more than 3 months pregnant.
Anyone living in a long-term care facility.
Children under 2 and adults over
65. -
Step 3: Identify congestion from a cold versus the flu.
-
Step 4: Take note of chest discomfort.
-
Step 5: Consider whether you feel exhausted.
-
Step 6: Consider how fast symptoms started.
-
Step 7: Look at your eating habits.
-
Step 8: Think about risk factors.
-
Step 9: Get plenty of rest.
-
Step 10: Take medication to relieve symptoms.
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Step 11: Stay hydrated.
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Step 12: See a doctor for new or worsening symptoms.
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Step 13: Get medical help if you have certain health conditions.
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Step 14: Stay hydrated and avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
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Step 15: Fight a low fever with OTC medication.
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Step 16: Take cold medication for other symptoms.
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Step 17: Identify a dangerous fever based on age.
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Step 18: Watch for warning signs.
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Step 19: See a doctor early if you are at risk of complications.
Detailed Guide
A fever is one of the most common symptoms of the flu, and rarely occurs with the common cold.Measure your temperature using a home thermometer, or visit a doctor to have your temperature taken there.
The average healthy body temperature is
98.6ºF (37ºC) when measured orally (by mouth), but it's normal for this to vary by 1ºF (0.6ºC) in either direction.
The temperature reading that is considered a fever depends on your age and which type of thermometer you use:
Mouth:
100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher for adults,
99.5ºF (37.5ºC) for children Ear or Rectum (bottom): 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher for adults,
100.4ºF (38ºC) for children Armpit:
99.4ºF (37.4ºC) or higher.This is a less accurate method of measurement.
With a cold, the symptoms you experience are less severe.
While you may experience things like a runny nose, sore throat, and other ailments, you will not feel completely run down.
With the flu, symptoms will be more severe and you will likely struggle with simple tasks.During the first couple days of the flu, symptoms can include aches, chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and a flushed face.If the flu causes a high fever (103ºF /
39.4ºC or higher), you may experience hallucinations, confusion, dehydration, irritability, or convulsions., The main symptoms of a cold are often congestion-related, such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.When you have the flu, these symptoms typically appear only after the fever has run its course, after two to four days.
Nasal mucus from the flu also tends to be clear and watery, not thick.Remember to consider the severity as well.
If symptoms of congestion are debilitating, they may be caused by a fever.
They will also not be your only symptoms.
You will notice other things, such as exhaustion and general aches and pains, if you have a fever. , General discomfort centered in your chest is common when you have the flu (and accompanying fever).
It is less common when you have a cold, and tends to be more mild and related to coughing and sneezing., If you have a cold, you're generally still able to engage in daily tasks.
While you may feel tired, you will be able to get out of bed, shower, run errands, and so on.
With the flu, however, you will feel completely exhausted.
You will feel a need to lie down during the day., Colds tend to come on gradually.
You will start sniffling for a few days and then symptoms will become more severe.
The flu, however, can rapidly cause a fever.
You may go to bed feeling fine and wake up very sick., Have you noticed any changes in appetite? With a cold, you will still want food.
Your eating habits will only change slightly, if at all.
With the flu, however, you may notice you're uninterested in food altogether.
You may have no desire to eat while symptoms persist., Both the cold and the flu are contagious diseases.
Think about any sick people you've been exposed to and whether they had a cold or the flu.Cold symptoms are most contagious during the earliest stages of infection, when the disease is less severe.
If you were recently around someone who was experiencing mild sniffling or sneezing, you may have a cold.
Flu symptoms typically appear two or three days after you were exposed to the virus, but it can take anywhere from one to seven days., Colds may be common, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them.
If possible, rest at home for a couple days or until you feel better.
If you cannot miss school or work, go to bed early so you can sleep as much as you need — potentially up to 12 hours., If you think you have a cold, go for an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen.
You can also treat specific symptoms with remedies such as nasal sprays, decongestants, or cough syrups.
Always check to make sure medications do not interfere with your existing medications and follow package instructions closely.Do not take decongestants for more than five days in a row.Consult a doctor before giving medicine to young children.
Do not take aspirin if you are 18 years old or younger, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome., Drinking plenty of fluids will help you recover faster.
If you have sinus pain or a dry nose, it may also help to run a humidifier or inhale steam., Most colds go away after three or four restful days.If you feel worse after that time, or if you develop any new symptoms, see a doctor.
Some more serious problems are easily mistaken for a cold, so don't hesitate to get a checkup.
Seek medical attention right away if you feel short of breath, cough up blood or colored mucus (including yellow), or if deep breaths cause chest pain.Call a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a week, or if it is accompanied by other throat symptoms such as pain while swallowing, swollen glands, white patches, or rash.Take your temperature regularly.
If you have a fever, you may have the flu after all.
If your symptoms don't match the flu or a cold, see a doctor immediately. , If you have certain health conditions, any symptoms of a cold should be evaluated.
Even if you don't think you have a fever, see a doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
Asthma Diabetes Kidney or liver disease Lowered immunity A history of strokes or transient ischaemic attacks , Most people with mild flu symptoms start to feel better after three or four days of bed rest, and recover completely within a week or two.
Take it easy and cancel your plans — your health and the health of those around you are more important. , Drinking plenty of liquids is a basic but important treatment.
Cut out smoking and alcohol while you still have symptoms., If you are an adult and have a fever no higher than 103ºF (39.4ºC) when measured by mouth, you can treat it at home.Take an over-the-counter fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower this.
You do not need to eliminate the fever entirely; even a small drop in temperature can make you feel better.Anyone aged 18 or younger should avoid aspirin, which can cause a rare but potentially fatal illness called Reye's syndrome.
The chance is higher during a viral infection like the flu., If you have congestion or a sore throat, you can take over the counter cold medication to make yourself feel better.These just treat the symptoms, not the underlying cause, so it will work even when you have the flu.
Always check the active ingredients before you take multiple medications.
Do not take two drugs that list the same active ingredient, such as acetaminophen, as a double dose may be dangerous.
Many over the counter cold treatments combine multiple drugs and do not necessarily list them on the front of the container., A high fever may require prescription anti-viral medications to prevent more serious problems such as pneumonia.The "danger point" depends on your age:
Infants under 3 months: call a doctor immediately for a temperature of
100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher.
Children 3 months to 5 years: call a doctor immediately for a temperature of 102ºF (38.9ºC).
Adults and children age 5 or older: if an oral temperature of 104ºF (40ºC) lasts for more than 4 hours, call a doctor.
Adults 65 and older: this group is at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, and in some cases may not have a high temperature despite a bad infection.When in doubt, call a doctor. , Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:
Any fever lasting more than three days.
Inability to drink fluids without vomiting.
Meningitis symptoms such as sensitivity to bright light, a stiff neck, or a severe headache.
Any unusual symptoms, especially major mood changes, seizures, skin rash, or severe throat swelling.
Any symptoms that don't start to improve within 3 to 5 days. , The flu is more likely to cause pneumonia, bronchitis, and other complications in certain groups of people.
Taking prescription anti-viral medication within 48 hours of symptoms appearing lowers this risk, and speeds up recovery.The following people should always see a doctor as soon as they develop flu symptoms:
Anyone with a chronic or long-term medical problem, including asthma, other lung diseases, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or a blood disorder.
Anyone with a history of strokes or transient ischaemic attacks.
Anyone with a weakened immune system, for instance due to AIDS or chemotherapy.
Women more than 3 months pregnant.
Anyone living in a long-term care facility.
Children under 2 and adults over
65.
About the Author
Jacqueline Carter
Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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