Recognising the Early Symptoms of the Flu
Some people will tell you they have the flu at the first sign of a sneeze or sore throat. However, they may have a cold. While the symptoms of a cold and the flu can be very similar, there are a few differences. It's essential to know about these differences, so you recognise flu fast. Flu can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, especially in high-risk people.
Cold vs Flu: Understanding the Key Differences
Both colds and influenza are viral respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them. There are hundreds of other viruses that can cause the common cold, including rhinoviruses, whereas the flu is caused by influenza A, B, and C viruses.
Both illnesses have similar symptoms, which means you can mistake one for the other. These can include sore throat, cough, aches and pains, and fatigue.
However, there are also some differences.
Common Symptoms of a Cold
Some symptoms can help you distinguish between a cold and the flu. If you have the following symptoms, you are more likely to have a cold: runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and a mild or moderate cough. A fever is rare, any cough is usually mild or moderate, and you're less likely to have a headache, aches and pains, and sickness than if you have the flu.
If you get a cold, you usually find the symptoms come on over a couple of days. You will likely feel unwell for anywhere between seven and ten days, although your symptoms could last for two weeks.
Recognising Symptoms of the Flu
The following symptoms are more likely to indicate influenza: a temperature between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius, chills, and a headache. With the flu, a temperature can come on quite suddenly, and aches, pains, and headaches could be pretty intense. However, not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Your cough is more likely to be dry than to produce green or yellow gunk like a cough with a cold might do. You might also feel exhausted for a few days or longer. Children with the flu often have abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
The flu is usually seasonal. The symptoms, which can be severe, can onset quickly and may last longer than those associated with a cold.
How Colds and Flu Are Diagnosed
The only way to know for sure whether you have a cold or the flu is for your doctor to swab the back of your nose or throat and send the swab off to the laboratory for testing. However, you may not need a diagnosis. Since both colds and the flu are viral infections, they are treated similarly. And, you only need to worry if your symptoms don't improve, they get worse, you notice other worrying symptoms, or you are at a high risk of complications.
Managing Colds and Flu: General Care Tips
Whether you have a cold or the flu, the treatment is the same as long as you aren't at risk for complications. Both are viruses, so there is no point in taking antibiotics because antibiotics don't work on viruses. Instead, you can treat yourself for colds and flu at home.
Self-Care Tips for Looking After Yourself During Illness
You will probably feel lethargic, so listen to your body and rest and sleep. Additionally, if you stay at home, you are less likely to transmit the virus to others, as colds and flu are spread by respiratory droplets from an infected person's mouth or nose.
You should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't have much of an appetite.
Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms Effectively
If you have a sore throat, eat soft, easy-to-swallow food. As long as it's safe for you to do so, you can take over-the-counter medication for any headache, temperature, or aches and pains, or to clear your nose or ease your cough.
Preventing the Spread of Germs During Cold and Flu Season
Remember to practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs. Dispose of soiled tissues in the bin, cover your mouth and nose with your hand when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands with soap and water.
How to Protect Yourself from Colds and Flu
- Get a flu vaccination every year. Although the flu is caused by the influenza A, B, and C viruses, active strains of the virus vary from year to year, so you need a new flu vaccine every year.
- Vitamin C can lessen your symptoms if you take it consistently.
- Vitamin D might help protect you from colds and flu.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitiser to eliminate germs.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Clean surfaces regularly, including door handles, gym equipment, and mobile phones.
Potential Complications from Colds and Flu
Whether you have a cold or the flu, you should start to feel better in a couple of days. However, in some cases, you might need medical attention. Pneumonia is a complication most commonly associated with influenza. Inflammation of the heart muscle or neurologic complications can also occur. Sinusitis and strep throat are additional complications, and a medical professional may want to evaluate you for asthma or bronchitis.
If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or any other life-threatening symptoms, dial 000.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Cold or Flu Symptoms
If you're confused about colds vs. flu, you have a cough or a temperature, or your symptoms aren't improving, you can contact us at 13CURE for advice. If you think you have the flu and you may be at risk of serious complications, you should consult a physician. It's essential to act promptly because, if you require antiviral drugs, you must take them as soon as possible for them to be effective.
People at risk of complications include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, people with existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, people with health conditions that weaken their immune system, people with chronic lung or heart conditions, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
13CURE specialises in emergency treatment. Medicare cardholders and DVA cardholders won't need to pay a cent, as they are bulk-billed for our services under Medicare.
If you're not sure whether you have a cold or the flu and you'd like to speak to a physician, contact 13CURE now.
