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When an individual is trying to decipher whether or not he or she has the cold or the flu, it can be difficult. Both have very similar symptoms associated with them. Sometimes it can even be hard for a physician to diagnose one or the other based on reported symptoms and without medical testing. However, there are several key differences in cold and flu symptoms which can help to define which one a person is suffering.
Onset of SymptomsOne of the most notable difference between a cold and the flu are the onset of symptoms. The symptoms of a cold develop slowly, sometimes over a couple of days. However, the flu is characterized by symptoms which develop very rapidly.
General SymptomsWhile the flu presents with a high fever, a cold will present with a low grade fever, if any at all. The flu will also exhibit body aches and chills, while a cold rarely has these symptoms.
Respiratory SymptomsMany times both a cold and the flu will have a cough associated with an illness, although the characteristics of the cough differ. A cold with present with a productive cough, usually with copious amounts of mucus. During the flu, however, the cough will be non-productive, producing no mucus. When a stuffy or runny nose is present, it is most likely a cold. These nasal symptoms are rarely associated with the flu.
Gastrointestinal SymptomsGastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting never occur during a cold and only rarely during the flu. These symptoms are more prevalent in a case of the Swine Flu.
Even with knowing the symptoms, it can still be hard to differentiate between the cold and flu without lab work. Because the treatment is most often the same for both the cold and flu, a physician will often not order any. If a person is in a high risk category, however, it may be necessary. This category includes the elderly, infants, and those with chronic conditions, such as Diabetes. In these cases, knowing the symptoms and receiving supportive treatment can help to prevent complications which could arise.
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If you have both flu and cold symptoms what do you have?
You could have either a cold or the flu or both. Or, you could have allergies. See the related questions for information about the symptoms of cold and flu.
What are the symptoms of the onset of flu?
Some of the symptoms for the flu are the same as the common cold, but there are a few symptoms that you only get with the flu. The most common of these symptoms are a fever of 101 or higher, body and joint aches, and a headache. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with other cold like symptoms we recommend seeing your Dr. about the flu.
Is it a cold the flu or allergies?
The flu (full name influenza) is caused by a virus. You can differentiate between an allergic reaction like hay fever and infection with the flu by watching for fever, hot and cold chills and muscle aches - all of these are common with the flu but uncommon in an allergic reaction.
What symptoms would indicate that a person has the flu rather than a cold?
Flu symptoms are usually more intense than cold symptoms and they begin much more quickly. Some of the major symptoms of the flu that don't necessarily come with a cold are a fever and muscle aches and pains and fatigue.
Shared Symptoms: The Flu and the Common Cold?
The flu is a seasonal illness that everyone is at risk for catching. Those that receive a flu shot from their doctor are less likely to contract this untreatable illness, but not immune to it. The flu is, unfortunately, not treatable with antibiotics. Even if you make an appointment to see your doctor regarding your flu symptoms, he will not be able to prescribe anything for you. Your doctor can run tests to determine whether or not you have the flu and he will suggest an over the counter flu medicine that will temporarily reduce your symptoms and provide you with short term relief. Over the counter medicines will not get rid of the flu. If you are unsure whether or not you have the flu or some other type of illness, take into account your symptoms to help you make the determination. Not all flu symptoms are experienced by everyone who contracts this illness. Some people experience every symptom imaginable while others only experience one or two. One of the most significant symptoms of the flu is a fever; running a fever is one of the most obvious symptoms that you have the flu versus the common cold. Since the symptoms of the flu and the common cold are so similar, the fever is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between the two. Along with a potential fever, people suffering from the flu can experience other symptoms that include a runny nose, congestion, a sore throat and chills. Body aches and fatigue will accompany these symptoms. Unlike the common cold, symptoms of the flu are quick to appear. You will wake up one morning feeling horrible with a myriad of symptoms. With the common cold, you will begin experiencing symptoms over several days until one day the culmination of all of your symptoms makes you feel terrible. With the flu, this happens immediately. Fortunately, symptoms of the flu often recede more quickly than those of the flu. If you experience symptoms in addition to regular flu symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. Many illnesses share the same symptoms and it is always best to practice precaution.
Why can't we get a straight answer on flu vs cold?
If you are asking what is the difference between the two infections, they are caused by different viruses and have slightly different symptoms.The symptoms of the cold and flu can be hard to differentiate, sometimes not even possible without a specific laboratory test to determine which virus is causing your symptoms.The primary differences are:The flu usually causes a high fever and a cold doesn't cause a fever except in a rare circumstance.General aches and pains are usually present with both, but with flu they can be severe, while with a cold they are mild.You may feel very fatigued from the flu and this is unusual with a cold.Headaches are much more common with the flu than with a cold.The usual cold symptoms of stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat are only sometimes seen with the flu.A severe cough comes with the flu, but coughs are not as severe with a cold.
What other diseases besides swine flu have flu-like symptoms?
the cold a fever
If I have cold symptoms and have been sick do you have swine flu?
Not necessarily.
Do Not Mistake the Flu for the Common Cold?
Everyone is susceptible to the seasonal flu; it seems that once someone catches the flu it is only a matter of time before your symptoms start. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid touching door knobs and breathing the same air that all the flu sufferers are breathing. Once you have the flu, there is nothing you can do to rid yourself of the illness. Over the counter medications that your doctor may recommend will not rid you of the flu, the medications will merely alleviate your pain temporarily. The only thing you can do is learn to recognize the symptoms of the flu and take action when you notice the onset of any flu symptoms. One of the major flu symptoms is fever; though not everyone that suffers from the flu experiences a fever. Some do and some do not. Along with fever or without if you are one of the lucky ones that do not experience this comes chills, severe body aches and fatigue. When experienced together, these symptoms are often difficult to tell apart. You may not be able to differentiate between body aches and fatigue because you are too tired and weak. Much like the common cold, flu symptoms include coughing, sore throat and congestion. This may make you question whether or not you have the flu or a simple cold. The way to tell the difference is to check for other symptoms, such as fatigue and body aches. In addition, many younger flu sufferers have been known to experience diarrhea and severe vomiting. However, these symptoms are more common in children than in adults. The major difference between the flu and the common cold is the severity of the illness. The common cold begins slowly, with a cough here and a sore throat there. Flu symptoms appear suddenly and violently and are much more miserable than those of the common cold. When you experience any of the symptoms of the flu, you can call your doctor and schedule an appointment to discuss your diagnosis. Your doctor will not be able to prescribe anything to rid you of the flu, but he can perform tests that confirm your diagnosis to ease your mind.
How can you recognize a flu symptom?
Flu symptoms are hard to recognize sometimes as they often appear as cold symptoms, however a telling sign of the flu is in the suddenness and intensity of which the symptoms hit you that are often accompanied by weakness and fatigue.
How does the flu differ from the common cold?
They are both viruses but the flu is typically more intense. The symptoms are similar but more severe with the flu.
What are some symptoms of the cold or flu?
runny nose, cough, congestion, hoarseness, conjunctivitis, and fever.sore throat.
