Is it a Cold or the Flu?

During the colder months, it is not uncommon to come down with the flu or a cold. You wake up coughing, sneezing, your muscles hurt, and you are feeling feverish. Do you have a cold or the flu? The flu and cold symptoms have a lot in common that it can be sometimes difficult to tell them apart.

There are some differences, however, that may help you identify which one you have. Knowing the symptoms of the flu and cold can also help you understand when it is time to put down the chicken soup and other home remedies and seek professional help at your local emergency room in Cibolo.

Understanding your symptoms

Cold – cold symptoms typically start with a sore throat, and it normally goes away after a few days. Runny nose, nasal symptoms, cough, and congestion follow by the 5th day. Children are more likely to have a fever with a cold.

During the first few days, the nose becomes abundant with watery nasal secretions, which normally become darker and thicker. Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. Note that if your symptoms are not improving after a week, you may have a bacterial infection and may need antibiotic treatment.

It is possible that you might mistake cold symptoms for a sinus infection or allergic rhinitis. If your symptoms start quickly but improve after one week, it is usually a cold. However, if your symptoms do not get better after one week, it is best to check with your doctor. You may have developed sinusitis or an allergy.

Flu – during the early stages of the flu, you will experience a quick onset of symptoms. Flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. The symptoms include a headache, sore throat, fever, congestion, muscle aches, and cough. A fever of above 101 degrees is a good indication of the flu.

When you have the flu, it is not uncommon to feel sick for more than a week. Pneumonia is a typical complication of the flu among the children and the elderly, most especially for those who have heart or lung concerns.

Similar to cold viruses, flu viruses enter the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. This means that it is important to keep your hands clean at all times. Frequent hand washing will help prevent the cold and flu symptoms.

Go to your nearest emergency room in Cibolo if you experience these symptoms:

• You have chest pain or trouble breathing
• Your fever doesn’t go away
• You can’t keep anything down/ persistent vomiting
• Severe sore throat
• You cannot get rid of your cough
• Your congestion and headache doesn’t improve