Flu
What is the difference between cold or allergy symptoms and the Flu?
What are the symptoms of a cold?
If you have a cold, you can have any or all of these symptoms: increased nasal discharge (a runny nose), difficulty breathing through the nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, and cough. The ability to taste and to smell may be affected, hoarseness may develop, and the voice often develops a nasal quality. Adults may experience a slight fever, while infants and young children may develop a higher temperature. The symptoms of the average cold last about one week. However, in roughly one out of every four cases, the illness lasts up to two weeks. In general, cold symptoms, especially the cough, tend to be worse among smokers.
What are the symptoms of nasal allergies?
Allergy symptoms in the nose may cause a runny nose and difficulty breathing through the nose, but allergies are generally not accompanied by fever. They are often seen along with itchy or watery eyes. These symptoms tend to occur regularly when the person is in contact with substances that cause allergies.
What are the symptoms of influenza (often called "flu")?
Flu symptoms are often more severe than cold symptoms. If you have the flu you can have any or all of these symptoms: fever, muscle aches, headache, lack of energy, a dry cough, sore throat, and possibly a runny nose. The fever that occurs with flu is usually higher than that with a cold (often > 101o F). Symptoms may last for several days for most people; however, they can last for as long as two weeks.
If I have cold or flu symptoms, when should I seek care?
If you are at high risk (pregnant, immunocompromised, or chronic lung or heart disease), you should see a healthcare provider as soon as you get sick.
For others, if you have a cold, you will get better, with or without medication, within a few days to two weeks. Sometimes, cold viruses can affect the lining of the upper respiratory system in a way that leads to other infections, such as sinusitis, ear infections or bronchitis. If your cold symptoms get continually worse, or do not resolve over time, you should consult with a healthcare provider.
Influenza can also lead to complications. The most serious complication of influenza is pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by the influenza virus itself, or by bacteria that enter the lungs because the body's natural defenses have been weakened.
Patients with cold or flu symptoms should seek emergency care for any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion or seizures
- Severe or persistent vomiting
If their cold or flu symptoms should worsen severely, or if they develop any of the following, they should consult a healthcare provider:
- Persistent high fever
- Severe headache
- Sinus pain or a toothache
- Ear pain
- A cough or sore throat which gets worse, rather than better, as other cold or flu symptoms improve