Is it Just a Cold or is it the Flu?

Cold and flu symptoms can be very similar. A bad cold often gets confused with a mild flu. What is the difference? And when should you see a doctor?

A cold is caused by a virus. Symptoms are nasal congestion, sore throat, and an achy pressure-like feeling in the face and ear area. Sometimes a cold is accompanied by a cough. However, the symptoms are generally limited to the head and neck. Cold symptoms usually disappear after about a week, sometimes a little longer if a cough is involved.

Like the cold, the flu is caused by a virus. However, the symptoms are not just limited to the head. People, who suffer from the flu, experience an all-body sickness and feeling of pain, which tends to drain their energy. Like with the cold, nasal congestion, sore throat, and even a cough can occur. Some people will also experience vomiting. The most obvious sign that a person is dealing with the flu and not a cold is a fever. Most people become so sick, they need to spend one to two days in bed. A person suffering from the flu will usually be sick for about two weeks, even longer, if a cough is involved.

Generally, both, the cold and the flu, can be treated at home. Because both a caused by a virus, antibiotic treatment (meant for bacterial infections) are of little to no use. In both cases it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of liquids will also help with the drainage from the nasal congestion, as the mucus will not get too sick. Additionally, in both cases it is recommended to get a lot of rest. The body needs the energy to fight off the infection.

Additionally, over-the-counter medication may be of benefit to ease the symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers will be helpful. However, if you suffer from the flu avoid aspirin, as there is the small chance you might develop Reye's syndrome.

While most people will be able to treat the cold and even the flu with home remedies, a trip to the doctor may be warranted in some cases. Particularly the elderly, young children, people with a compromised immune system, and pregnant women should be monitored more carefully. Especially, if these groups suffer from the flu, it can become more serious and dangerous for them. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to prevent serious complications.

If the cold has not cleared after a week, except for maybe a cough, a doctor should be seen. The head congestion blocks areas of the head from draining, which allows bacteria to grow. Most prominently, children usually develop an ear infection signaled by pain in or near the ear, while adults usually develop a sinus infection signaled by pain in the nose area. Sometimes, bacterial bronchitis can develop, especially in smokers. These infections can clear up on their own, but sometimes a doctor's intervention and a treatment with antibiotics is needed, especially for children.

Similarly, if the flu does not show signs of improvement after a week, a doctor should be consulted. This is especially true, if the symptoms are getting worse. The danger of secondary infections is also a problem with the flu. It cannot be stressed enough that the elderly, young children, people with a compromised immune system, and pregnant women should be very closely monitored.