Do you know how to tell the difference between a cold and a flu? For starters, does the illness come on fast? If so, it is probably the flu, especially if it is accompanied by a fever and aches and pains. Colds can cause aches and pains too, but they are generally more mild. Still undecided? If you think it is the flu you have 48 hours to take an anti-viral medicine to help shorten the symptoms. As for a cold, there isn’t much you can do except rest and eat well.
Key Takeaways:
- The most common cold symptoms are mild fatigue, fever, cough, sore throat and head, chest or nasal congestion
- The flu comes on more quickly than a cold.
- You cannot treat a cold, only the symptoms, but the flu can be treated with anti-virals.
“A cold typically goes away within a week. If you still feel sick after a week, or if your symptoms are severe or you have asthma or other chronic conditions, it might be time to see a health care provider, Weston advised.”
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=200653