With cold and flu season upon us, it’s important to understand the difference between cold vs. flu symptoms so that you know how to best treat each one. Learn how to tell whether you’re experiencing the cold, flu, even COVID-19, your top treatment options, and when to seek medical attention.

What Is the Difference Between Cold and Flu?

The common cold and influenza (the flu), are respiratory conditions caused by viruses. Colds and the flu can have overlapping symptoms, but flu symptoms are more severe and come on more quickly. There are different types of flu, as well.

The common cold typically won’t require medical treatment, but you may need to see a physician if what you’re experiencing is the flu. This is especially if you’re in one of the high-risk categories for the flu. At-risk groups include pregnant women, anyone over 65, anyone with a weakened immune system or children under the age of 2.

Cold Symptoms

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that is rarely serious. A severe cold can also present with flu-like symptoms. The only way to know for sure what you’re dealing with is to get tested for the flu at a doctor’s office. 

The most common cold symptom is frequent sneezing and a runny, stuffy nose. Additional symptoms can include:

• Weakness and mild fatigue
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache

Treatments for the Common Cold

There is no cure for the common cold. It’s all about managing your symptoms with over-the-counter decongestants or pain relievers. A cold will typically resolve on its own within 3 to 10 days, although a bad cold could last for several weeks. Get plenty of rest and keep yourself well-hydrated to relieve the worst symptoms.

Cold symptoms that don’t go away on their own may signify a bacterial infection, even seasonal allergies. Consult your doctor if your cold symptoms aren’t going away after a week of at-home treatment.

Flu Symptoms

What is the flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can become serious, particularly in the immunocompromised. Symptoms can overlap with the common cold but are more severe, and the onset of symptoms is more sudden.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Hacking cough
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (especially in children)

A stuffy, runny nose is more common with the cold but can also occur with the flu. For most healthy adults, flu treatment will be focused on alleviating your symptoms. 

Treatments for the Flu

Decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and medications to break a fever are all common treatments for the flu in generally healthy adults. As you’re dealing with a viral infection, antibiotics won’t do anything to treat your flu. Home treatments can include saltwater gargles to relieve a sore throat, plenty of fluids and rest, steam and zinc lozenges.

Immunocompromised individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they have the flu. A physician can prescribe an antiviral treatment that can weaken the most severe symptoms and shorten your recovery time. Antivirals are most effective when started within a day or two of the onset of flu symptoms.

The flu can last for several weeks, depending on the health of the individual experiencing the flu and the severity of the symptoms.

What about COVID-19?

COVID-19 has been an added complication to cold and flu season, as the highly transmissible virus is still very much a concern across the country.

So how do you know whether it’s COVID-19, a cold or the flu?

COVID symptoms can overlap with cold and flu symptoms. The most common COVID symptoms are a dry cough and fever, but can also include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain/tightness
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache/body aches
• Chills
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• Loss of taste and smell

If you’ve been exposed to COVID or are experiencing symptoms that you think may be COVID, take the Centers for Disease Control’s recommended steps to prevent COVID. You’ll need to stay inside to prevent spreading the virus to others and monitor your symptoms. Call your doctor or urgent care locations in Los Angeles immediately if you develop a high fever or experience shortness of breath, or schedule a COVID test today.

When to Seek Treatment for Cold vs. Flu

If your symptoms aren’t going away or becoming more severe, it’s essential that you see a doctor. If you’re in any of the higher risk categories for flu and have flu symptoms, contact urgent care for the flu so that you can receive treatment right away. The flu can become severe and cause complications down the line.

Your best prevention for the seasonal flu is an annual flu shot. If you’re suffering from flu symptoms or just want to find a quick and efficient place to get that annual flu shot, contact us at Reliant. We can help you get prepared for the flu and cold season and help you treat any symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day life.