About Cold & Flu Symptoms

Overview

While people can contract the cold or flu throughout the year, the most common time for the season to spike is between September and January although a cold or the flu can occur at any time. Almost everyone has had a cold or flu at some point in his life, and it is generally a miserable experience. While most symptoms that appear are harmless and go away once the virus has run its course, some can be more serious and require prompt medical attention.

Nasal symptoms

Most common colds include nasal symptoms. These include stuffy nose, runny nose, mucus discharge and sinus pressure. This is an uncomfortable feeling but generally passes in a few days. Flu viruses do not always have nasal symptoms. The best way to get through troubling nasal symptoms is to care for sinus congestion. A neti pot with a saltwater mixture can aid in cleaning out sinuses. Over-the-counter sinus medication also can be used, such as a decongestant or pain reliever. Menthol rubs on the nose or chest may help loosen up phlegm and mucous.

Cough

One thing common to a cold and the flu is a cough. A dry cough is caused from an irritation in the lungs. Dry coughs can put a strain on the muscles in the chest. A cough that is used to break up mucous and phlegm inside the chest can also be irritating. Choosing a cough expectorant or a menthol rub to help break up mucous is recommended. A cough with yellow, green or bloody phlegm should be checked by a physician as soon as possible to rule out severe respiratory problems such as pneumonia.

Fever

A common sign of the flu is a fever. A fever often signifies there is a change happening somewhere in the body. It could mean an infection or the presence of a virus. A fever can often start off as a case of the chills or the inability to get warm. A mild or low-grade fever is common with many flus and occasionally with some colds. A fever should never be ignored and should be treated with over-the-counter acetaminophen. Fevers that persist or reach more than 102 degrees should be immediately evaluated by medical personnel.

Muscle Aches

Something apparent in both colds and flu are muscle aches. For a cold, a person may feel run down and tired because of her weakened immune system. This can result in a feeling of malaise with mild muscle aches. A flu that has ravaged the body will result in severe muscle aches and sometimes cramps within the muscles as well. Drinking fluids, a mild pain reliever and getting plenty of rest will help the cold and flu sufferer get through the symptoms.

Nausea and Vomiting

Occasionally a severe cold may warrant a loss of appetite leading to nausea and vomiting, but generally those symptoms only occur with the flu. The flu virus can target the intestinal area and wreak havoc on your digestive system. The result is severe nausea and vomiting, sometimes intermittently for up to 24 hours.