You went to bed feeling a bit tired, attributing it to a challenging week at work. However, hours later, you wake with chills, a fever, coughing, sneezing, and body aches. It’s evident that these symptoms aren’t just from stress. You start to think, “Am I coming down with a cold, or could it be the flu?” While a runny nose and sore throat are sure signs you are getting sick, knowing whether it’s a cold or flu can make a world of difference.
The major differences between a cold and the flu
The common cold is typically caused by the rhinovirus. That said, more than 200 different viruses can cause you to come down with what we know as a cold. It is also the most common infectious disease in humans that affects the upper respiratory system — the nose, sinuses, and throat.
On the other hand, the flu is caused by the influenza virus. (Type A, B, and C). Like the common cold, the flu is highly contagious, and easily spread through the air or coming into contact with another infected person. Also like the common cold, it impacts the respiratory. As we’ll discuss later, there are some symptomatic differences between the common cold and the flu.
Cold vs. Flu: How does it start?
An easy way to tell the difference between having the cold or flu is in how early the symptoms begin to manifest. The common cold gradually develops over a few days. Typically, it begins with an itchy throat or slightly stuffed up nose. Then the next day, you’re facing clogged ears and fatigue. By the following day it’s all downhill, and you’re definitely sick.
With the flu, symptoms are rather sudden. There is a quick and intense, stop-you-in-your-tracks feeling of getting hit by a bus. No warning, just BAM, an intense headache, sore throat, and a strong yearning to be in bed.
Cold or Flu: What are the Symptoms?
Again, the symptoms are rather similar. However, the common cold is more gradual in showing symptoms, whereas the flu begins to manifest immediately.
Symptoms of the common cold
The symptoms of a cold are considered to be more mild than that of the flu. Typically, expect a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, and mild fatigue. As a result of mucus buildup and your body’s desire to purge the virus, anticipate sneezing, watery eyes, and possible slight fever — though this is less common.
Symptoms of the flu
With the flu, you can experience all the same symptoms as the common cold, but with a few key differences. Symptoms of the flu include a fever of over 100°F, chills and sweats, headache, dry persistent cough, shortness of breath. You may also experience severe muscle aches, extreme fatigue. Nausea and vomiting is typical with children who have contracted the flu.
Cold or Flu: How Long do they last?
The common cold is much more of a lingering illness, with symptoms lasting around 7–10 days. If you’re sick with a cold, prepare to be down for the count for a significantly longer span of time. On the other hand, the flu will knock you off your feet for 3–5 days before you start to feel better and see the light. Bear in mind that the flu will make you feel fatigued for several days after your recovery.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are a few ways to relieve the symptoms. Adequate amounts of rest and hydration are the bog-standard of care for a good reason, as they’re the most effective in letting your immune system run its course. Visiting the local drug store and grabbing over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants will help.
When it comes to treating the flu, antiviral medications like Tamiflu can decrease the duration and severity of the illness. However, it is crucial to take these drugs within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms, as they become ineffective after that time. If flu symptoms are severe and immediate medical attention is available, these medications can be beneficial.
Additionally, individuals at high risk for serious complications, such as the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems, should seek medical advice from their doctor before attaining at-home treatment.
Diagnosis
While there are no specific tests for diagnosing the common cold, the symptoms are enough to determine that you’re getting sick. Your primary care physician can also perform a physical examination, looking deeper into your nose, sinuses and throat. If you want a surefire medical prognosis, there are diagnostic tests that can help identify if you have the flu, which can then rule out having the common cold.
The Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT) detects influenza viral antigens in your respiratory tracts. You can get the test done in a doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy. The results are typically available within 10 to 30 minutes.
Preventing the Cold or Flu
It goes without saying that washing your hands is not only safe for you but for everyone else. The National Institute of Health states that handwashing can reduce respiratory illnesses by up to 21% in the public. Along with naturally harboring bacteria on your hands, it is said that we touch our faces on an average of 23 times per day! To tie this all in, the CDC states that 80% of infectious diseases are transmitted by touch alone.