How is the common cold different from Influenza (flu)?

Influenza and the common cold share many similar symptoms. Some of these shared symptoms include sniffling, sneezing, runny nose, elevated temperature, sore throat and coughing.

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The severity and duration of symptoms are the biggest differences between the flu and the common cold. In addition, flu is usually more seasonal, whereas colds tend to come at any time of the year, If your symptoms last longer than a few days, you may have the flu.

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While colds are typically less severe than the flu, severe colds can turn into more serious ???? and possibly lead to infection, pneumonia, or bronchitis, without proper diagnosis(es?) and care.

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Duration

While the typically cold only lasts a few days (3-4) before recovery begins, the flu usually lasts a week or more.

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At-Home Treatments

If your symptoms become severe, Urgent Care of Wallace can provide medication that more effectively reduces symptom severity for common flu symptoms, as well as diagnose and treat any severe symptoms which may include sore throat, muscle aches and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

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The following actions & remedies may help to lessen the severity and duration of your flu virus:

• Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is a key component to ridding an illness as quickly as possible. Drink as many fluids as possible during the day, while avoiding caffeine and sugar as much as possible which can be dehydrating. Water, sports drinks, and fruit juices are the best go-to fluids when combatting a cold or flu. (?)

• Get extra sleep. Getting at least nine hours of sleep, if possible, along with naps throughout the day help to bolster your immune system.

• Chicken soup?

• Take medications. Over-the-counter influenza treatments include ibuprofen, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines to relieve symptoms. Make sure you read the labels carefully. When treating a child, pay attention to the type of flu medicine and the dosages.

• Hot beverages?

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