How to differentiate between the flu and the common cold

Both the cold and the flu are viral infections, and the symptoms of the two are similar. This makes it tough sometimes to differentiate between the two illnesses. A cold affects your upper respiratory tract, and the flu attacks your respiratory system. Generally speaking, flus are worse than colds. They also pose a risk of worsening into pneumonia or bacterial infections that can lead to hospitalizations. Fall through winter and into spring is the standard flu season.

Instructions

• 1

  Take note of your symptoms. Cold suffers may experience a runny or stuffy nose, an itchy or sore throat, a cough, some congestion, minor body aches, a mild headache, sneezing, watery eyes, a low-grade fever (up to 102 F, or 39 C) and mild fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may experience only a couple of the symptoms. Each person's body reacts differently.

• 2

  Notice the differences if you have the flu. Symptoms of the flu, according to the Mayo Clinic, include nasal congestion, a dry cough, aching muscles, a headache, fatigue and weakness, a fever of more than 100 F (38 C) and chills and sweats. A dry cough is a symptom of only the flu, not a cold. On the other hand, sneezing is a cold symptom, not a flu symptom. The fevers of the two maladies are different, as well.

• 3

  Take preventative measures, possibly by getting a flu shot. There is no vaccine for a cold. Wash your hands, especially when you come in contact with public property, to avoid catching a cold or flu. Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.

• 4

  Treat both the flu and cold by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. In some instances, your doctor may prescribe medications. Many flu medications, however, have unwelcome side effects. Some flu strains have even become resistant to the drugs. For colds, try chicken soup, adjusting the humidifier in your room and using saline nasal drops.