How to differentiate between influenza and the common cold
Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses that can cause similar symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. However, there are some key differences between the two illnesses.
Symptoms
The symptoms of influenza and the common cold can be very similar, but there are some key differences.
Influenza typically causes a sudden onset of symptoms, including:
Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Headache
Fatigue
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
The common cold typically causes a gradual onset of symptoms, including:
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Sneezing
Treatment
There is no cure for influenza or the common cold, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms.
Influenza can be treated with antiviral medications, which can help to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
The common cold cannot be treated with antiviral medications, but there are over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve the symptoms.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to help prevent influenza and the common cold, including:
Getting vaccinated against influenza
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Avoiding contact with people who are sick
Staying home from work or school if you are sick
When to see a doctor
It is important to see a doctor if you have influenza or the common cold and you are:
Having trouble breathing
Experiencing chest pain
Have a fever that is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Are vomiting or have diarrhea
Are not improving after a few days
How to tell the difference between influenza and the common cold
The following table summarizes the key differences between influenza and the common cold.
| Feature | Influenza | Common Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Onset of symptoms | Sudden | Gradual |
| Symptoms | Fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, cough | Runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing |
| Treatment | Antiviral medications | Over-the-counter medications |
| Prevention | Vaccination, hand washing, avoiding contact with sick people | Hand washing, avoiding contact with sick people |
| When to see a doctor | Having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, have a fever that is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, are vomiting or have diarrhea, are not improving after a few days | Having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, have a fever that is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, are vomiting or have diarrhea, are not improving after a few days |
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