When you start to feel a tickle in your throat or a sniffle in your nose, you may wonder if you've caught a cold or the flu. Both ailments are respiratory infections, but they're caused by different viruses and can have significantly different levels of severity. Knowing which one you're dealing with is crucial for getting the right treatment and taking proper precautions to prevent spreading it to others.

In this blog post, we’ll dissect the confusion between the common cold (also called an upper respiratory infection) and the flu (shorthand for influenza) highlighting how you can distinguish between the two as well as effective treatment options. Looking for more information? Book an online doctor visit on Sesame to talk to a licensed health care provider right away.

How to know if you have a cold or the flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines that help differentiate between the flu and the common cold. Both conditions can have similar symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing, which makes it challenging to self-diagnose without a test.

Generally, flu symptoms are more severe and might include a high fever, body aches, and chest discomfort, whereas cold symptoms tend to be milder.

What are common flu symptoms?

Identifying common flu symptoms is crucial for prompt and effective treatment, as well as for taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Some common flu symptoms are as follows:

• High fever: A fever signifies that your body is fighting off an infection, and in the case of the flu, it can be significantly higher than what you'd experience with a common cold, which is generally not associated with significant fever. The fever may also be prolonged, lasting several days, and accompanied by chills.
  
• Muscle aches and body pains: Another hallmark symptom of the flu, muscle aches and pains are often more severe than the mild discomfort sometimes associated with a cold. These aches can make even simple activities like getting out of bed or walking extremely uncomfortable. You may also experience a noticeable fatigue, weakness and overall feeling of being unwell, which can last for weeks even after other symptoms have subsided.
  
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing: Respiratory symptoms can also present in more severe flu cases. These symptoms are rarely associated with the common cold and could signify that the flu virus has led to complications, such as pneumonia, especially if they are accompanied by chest pain or chest discomfort. In such cases, medical attention should be sought immediately.
  
• Loss of taste: While colds can impair your sense of taste due to a stuffy nose, a sudden and more severe loss of taste may be indicative of the flu virus affecting your system.
  
  

Keep in mind that flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can be severe from the onset, unlike cold symptoms that tend to develop gradually. Recognizing these symptoms early on is vital for timely intervention, which can include antiviral drugs to shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the illness. Always consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What are common cold symptoms?

Recognizing common cold symptoms is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action for your illness. Some symptoms of a cold are listed below:

• Sore throat: The cold is primarily caused by any of a number of viruses – rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses, to name several – and often present itself initially with a sore throat. You may wake up feeling a scratchy or painful sensation in your throat, which is usually an early sign that your immune system is fighting off a viral invader.
  
• Runny nose: Stuffy noses are another hallmark symptom of the common cold. You may find yourself reaching for tissues more frequently as your body tries to expel the virus. In addition to a runny nose, you might also experience sneezing and a general sense of congestion. These symptoms often develop within one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus and are a result of your immune system's response to fighting off the infection.
  
• Sneezing: You sneeze when you have a cold because your body is attempting to remove the irritants—typically viral particles and inflammatory substances—from your nose and throat. Sneezing can also contribute to the airborne spread of the virus, which is why hygiene (sneezing into a tissue or your elbow instead of your hands or into the air) is so important when you're sick.
  
• Mild body aches and fatigue: Unlike the flu, where body aches can be severe, the aches you feel during a cold are generally mild and don't interfere significantly with your daily activities. Some people also experience headaches and a low-grade fever, although these symptoms are less common and usually less severe than those associated with the flu.
  
• Sinus infections: Sinus congestion or sinus infections are another symptom that may accompany a cold. Your sinuses may feel pressurized and you might have difficulty breathing through your nose. Over-the-counter decongestants can often help relieve these symptoms, and you can also speak with a health care provider who can determine whether you're dealing with a sinus infection or a cold.
  
• Coughing: While coughing can occur in both cold and flu patients, a cough associated with a cold is generally milder and may produce phlegm. It is often the result of irritation in the throat and can linger after other cold symptoms have resolved.
  
  

Identifying these common cold symptoms can help you take the necessary steps to manage your illness. Simple measures like rest, hydration, and the use of over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or decongestants can be effective in treating these symptoms and helping you feel better more quickly.

How long does the flu last?

The duration of the flu can vary from person to person, but it generally lasts about one week. Symptoms often come on suddenly and may be severe, especially during the first few days. While most people start to feel better after a few days, it's not uncommon for fatigue and a general sense of malaise to linger for several weeks afterward. Additionally, some individuals may experience complications such as pneumonia, which can extend the duration of their illness.

It's crucial to note that even after symptoms subside, you may still be contagious for a few days, so it's essential to limit close contact with others during this time. If symptoms persist or become severe, consult a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as prolonged illness could indicate complications or another underlying condition.

How long does a cold last?

The duration of the common cold can vary from person to person, but it generally lasts around 7 to 10 days. Some symptoms, like a runny nose and sore throat, may resolve within a few days, but others, such as congestion or a lingering cough, can persist a bit longer. It's not uncommon for some residual symptoms like fatigue, a cough, or a stuffy nose to last for a week or two after the acute phase of the illness has passed.

However, if you find that your symptoms are not improving after 10 days, or if they worsen significantly, it's advisable to consult a health care provider. Extended or severe symptoms could indicate a bacterial infection or another underlying medical condition that may require further treatment.

Can a cold turn into the flu?

A common misconception is that a cold can "turn into" the flu, but this isn't accurate. Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses—rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses for the common cold and influenza viruses for the flu. The symptoms may appear similar at first glance, but they are distinct illnesses and one cannot morph into the other.

However, it is possible to be infected with both viruses at the same time or in close succession, especially if your immune system is already weakened from fighting off a cold. In this situation, you might experience a cold first and then catch the flu, which could lead to the perception that the cold "turned into" the flu. Still, each illness requires separate treatment and management, and both can coexist or appear sequentially due to lowered immunity and close contact with infected individuals.

What is the best way to treat a cold?

The best way to treat a cold is mainly via symptomatic relief. Some common treatments for the common cold include:

• Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines, which can help with a stuffy or runny nose.
  
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, which can be used for body aches.
  
• Sore throat sprays or lozenges, which can alleviate throat discomfort.
  
  Hand washing and hand sanitizer are also encouraged when you’re fighting a cold, as those measures can help prevent the spread of the virus.
  
  

What are the most effective flu medications?

Antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed for treating the flu and are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help to relieve body and muscle aches.

Additionally, if bacterial infections arise as a complication of the flu, antibiotics may be prescribed. However, you should always consult your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, and consider getting a flu shot for immunization against the seasonal flu.

Think you have the flu or a cold? Sesame can help diagnose and treat you.

If you're feeling under the weather and are unsure whether you have a cold or the flu, Sesame can help. Sesame offers access to thousands of healthcare providers who are available 7 days a week, typically within hours, at always-low prices. A qualified healthcare provider can help diagnose your condition and offer appropriate treatment options tailored to your symptoms.

Don't let uncertainty about your symptoms add to your stress. Get the care you need through Sesame and get back on the path to wellness.