According to Web MD, if you have a cold, your symptoms probably came on slowly; you probably don't have a fever, have slight aches and pains, are mildly fatigued, have a stuffy nose, have a sore throat and are sneezing. If you have the flu, your symptoms came on more suddenly; you most likely have a fever which will last for a few days, have aches and pains and have fatigue that will last for a few weeks. Symptoms of a cold are generally milder, while symptoms of the flu are generally more severe.
Treatment for the Symptoms
Treatment for a cold or flu is mostly symptomatic. Rest and having enough fluids is important. Doctor will often recommend a decongestant or a nasal spray for nasal congestion and an anti-inflammatory drug, such as acetaminophen for a fever and aches and pains. Salt water gargles or lozenges are sometimes effective for a sore throat. It is important, before taking any medication, to talk to your doctor first. Persons with pre-existing health issues should talk to their doctor about going on any over-the-counter medication to make sure that it is advisable to take it with their condition or current medications that they are on do not interact with it. Children should not be given over-the-counter medication without consulting the child's pediatrician, especially if the child is under 4 years of age.
Antivirals and Antibiotics
At the onset of the flu, a doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication. There are medications that treat Type A or Type A and B flu strains. Like any medication, there are side effects to antivirals, so a consultation with a physician is necessary prior to taking any medication. The flu and the common cold are viruses. Antibiotics do not kill bacteria and will not resolve a cold or a flu. If a doctor determines that a patient has a bacterial infection as a complication of a cold or flu, an antibiotic might be indicated.
When to Call Your Doctor
When cold or flu symptoms are severe or if the cold or flu lasts more than 7 days, if you are pregnant, nursing, have chronic medical conditions or are immunocompromised, it is important to call a doctor to discuss how the cold or flu should be managed.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
While there are many treatments available for cold and flu symptoms, the best medicine is prevention. Hand washing, good hygiene and sanitation, covering your cough and staying home if you are sick are simple ways to prevent the spread of infections and viruses from person to person. Before the flu season starts, it is important that patients talk to their doctor to see if the flu shot is right for them. In addition, taking care of your body by having adequate sleep, nutrition, regular exercise, not smoking and not having too much stress at home and work can boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to infection and able to fight off infections more easily.
