Cold or Flu--What's the Difference? | Faulkner's Drug Store

With a new school year in session, we are getting into the start of the cold and flu season. Per the CDC, the first thing you can do to avoid catching the influenza virus is to get a flu shot. But how do you know if you’re dealing with the common cold or the flu? Faulkner’s Drug Store wants to help make the difference clear.

The common cold and influenza are both respiratory illnesses. They can appear to have similar symptoms which make it hard to tell the two apart, but they are caused by different viruses. In most cases, a case of the flu is worse than a bit of the common cold, and its symptoms are sudden and intense. Most colds are are much more mild than the flu, and typically do not result in serious complications. Influenza is serious because it can turn into pneumonia, lead to bacterial infections, or a hospitalization–all of which can be quite serious.

Influenza symptoms typically include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and significant fatigue. Cold symptoms are typically milder symptoms with more emphasis on a runny or stuffy nose. Sudden fatigue is often an early sign of flu. With a cold, symptoms and fatigue generally come on more gradually.

Because the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics can not help. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribed an antiviral, like Tamiflu or Relenza. Individuals may take painkillers to help relieve symptoms, like headache or body pains.

If you have the flu you should:

• Stay home and rest
  
• Avoid contact with others if possible
  
• Drink plenty of liquids
  
• Avoid alcohol
  
• Don’t smoke
  
• Eat nutritious foods
  

People who live alone should also let a relative, friend, or neighbor know that they have the flu and have someone can check in on them while they are ill. Looking for more tips to survive the cold and flu season?

This cold and flu season, you can count on Faulkner’s Drug Store to help your whole family stay healthier. Like us on Facebook for more health tips, and be sure to stop by to ask our friendly pharmacists any questions you have about the flu season.