Cold vs Flu: How to Tell the Difference and When to Seek Help

It’s cold and flu season again. While we usually interchange those two terms in conversation, they are two diseases caused by different pathogens. Several influenza viruses cause the flu, including Rhinoviruses and Parainfluenza viruses. There’s only one virus causing flu infection, but three versions of it. A, B, and C infect humans, while D only infects cattle. It can sound confusing, so here’s what you should know when you or your family member is sick. Discover the differences between cold vs flu and when to seek help.

Cold vs Flu: How to Tell the Difference and When to Seek Help

Symptoms: The Key Differences Between Colds and the Flu

The primary difference between the common cold and the flu is the intensity of symptoms and the length of the disease. Colds tend to last a few days, while the flu can extend for up to two weeks or longer.

While both diseases have similar symptoms, the flu creates more severe symptoms. Infected people with a compromised immune system have a higher risk of experiencing severe complications relating to the flu.

Their condition can progress and result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, sinus infection, or even sepsis.

Common cold symptoms often include:

Coughing and sneezing
Congestion
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore Throat
Head and body aches

Flu symptoms are often amplified and include:

Sore Throat
Fever and Chills
Muscle Aches and Fatigue
Headaches

Fever and Fatigue: How Temperature and Energy Levels Can Help Self-Diagnosis

Both the flu and the common cold cause a fever. With a cold, the fever usually hits a ceiling of 101°F. However, the flu can generate a fever of up to 104°F or higher. In some cases, they present a threat to the patient’s life.

Typically, doctors don’t intervene until it gets over 101°F. A fever is the body’s natural inflammatory immune response to eliminate the invading pathogen. However, if a fever gets out of control, the doctor may need to step in with medication.

The Sore Throat Dilemma: Cold vs Flu?

Both the common cold and flu can present with a sore throat. However, there’s a subtle difference between this symptom and how the two diseases play out. People with a cold notice the sore throat fades after a day or two as the runny nose and congestion take over.

Those with the flu may experience a high fever and intense body aches or chills. They may feel this before they experience any congestion.

Coughing and Congestion: What Your Symptoms Are Telling You

A cold usually results in congestion and a wet cough.
The flu often creates a dry cough that’s deeper and more persistent.

Coughing from the flu can last days or weeks after the initial symptoms subside. A nasal spray can help with congestion from colds and the flu. However, it is not a cure.

When to Worry: Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention

Generally, the common cold doesn’t create a need to rush to the emergency room. A cold, a viral infection of the upper respiratory system, often goes away on its own. However, if a small child complains about their symptoms, you may need to get them checked out by their pediatrician.

The flu is a different deal. Some of the advanced complications of the disease can cause the need for a trip to the emergency room.

Comparing The Difference: Cold vs. Flu Infection and Recovery Timelines

Symptoms from the common cold take around two to three days to peak and persist for around 7 to 10 days. The flu can peak after a day or two, and the symptoms can remain far more intensive for longer. Total infection times can be up to two weeks or more, and fatigue persists for several weeks after the infection clears.

Antiviral medications can be effective for the flu when used within a specific timeline of the onset of symptoms. They are often used to treat respiratory viruses in high-risk people. This includes the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

The common cold or upper respiratory infections are treated with over-the-counter cold medications such as:

Ibuprofen, Advil, or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Cough Medicine
Throat lozenges or cough drops

Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest while recovering is also essential.

Prevention Strategies: How to Avoid Getting Sick in the First Place

In the United States, millions of people get the flu every year. Therefore, knowing how to avoid getting the flu or the common cold is essential. Protect yourself when exposed to other people or busy environments.

Washing your hands often is vital as the fomites on surfaces can cause transfer of the pathogen and infection.

If you’re sick and live with others, quarantine yourself as much as possible. Do this to avoid spreading the disease throughout the household. Staying home from school or work helps to prevent the spread of germs.

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