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Cold Vs. Flu

Colds and flu are contagious illnesses caused by viruses that strike the respiratory system. It can be hard to tell the difference between symptoms, but having a cold or the flu can make you miserable and land you in bed for a few days.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a cold are coughing, sore throat, stuffy and/or runny nose, sneezing and chest congestion. Symptoms of the flu are fever, dry cough, aches, pains and chills, tiredness, headaches, and severe chest pain.

    Duration

    • Cold symptoms surface gradually over a few days while the flu can come on suddenly within three to six hours. A cold can last for about a week, while the flu can hang on for a week or more.

    Remedies

    • Common cold remedies include cold medicines, antihistamines, expectorants and nasal decongestants. Rest, drinking fluids, gargling with warm salty water, and taking aspirin or Tylenol can help. An antiviral drug for flu is sometimes prescribed for at-risk people.

    Warnings

    • Flu symptoms can develop into pneumonia that may require a hospital stay. If a sore throat lasts more than 48 hours, a strep test should be performed.

    Prevention

    • Getting an annual flu vaccine, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing your hands and applying antibacterial gel, avoiding contact with sick people, and keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth will help prevent both colds and flu.

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