Flu season is upon us. When we start coughing, we can panic! Do I have the flu?
Here are the differences between a cold and the flu:
How the Symptoms Start
With a cold, the symptoms begin gradually.
Flu symptoms have a sudden onset.
Fever
You might have a slight fever with a cold.
You will definitely have a fever with the flu!
Aches & Chills
You will not have chills with a cold, but may have slight aching.
With the flu, you will have aches and chills.
Fatigue & Weakness
You may feel a little under the weather with a cold.
The flu will exhaust you so that all you want to do is sleep or rest. You feel too weak to do anything else.
Sneezing
Colds come with lots of sneezing.
Sometimes you sneeze with the flu.
Chest Discomfort & Cough
Your chest will hurt and you will be coughing with a cold and with the flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy noses are a hallmark of a cold.
Sometimes, but not always, you will have a stuffy nose with the flu.
Sore Throat
Colds also come with sore throats.
You will not necessarily have a sore throat with the flu, but you might.
Headache
Some people get headaches with a cold, but not everyone.
Most people have headaches with the flu.
What To Do If You Are Sick
With both a cold and the flu, you need plenty of liquids, rest, and time to heal. Avoid passing your germs. If you have the flu, don’t go to work or school. Stay home and let your body heal.
God bless you!
Warmly,
Meredith Curtis
