Do you have a cold? Or a fever? (Flu or Cold) - Let's find out the difference!

When you wake up in the morning, you have a sneezing, coughing, body aches, fever... Have you ever felt like you can't even get out of bed? So how do you tell if it's a common cold or a mild flu? It's important to know the difference between the two. Because while a cold will get better in a few days, a flu can keep you in a lot of trouble for weeks. Sometimes, a flu can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia and require hospitalization. So let's talk about this in detail.

What are the symptoms of a common cold?

A cold usually starts with a sore throat or a sore throat . But it usually goes away in a day or two. Then the symptoms of the nose start. There is a runny nose and stuffy nose . After about four to five days, a cough also starts. Adults are less likely to have a fever when they get a cold, but they can have a low-grade fever. However, young children are more likely to have a fever with a cold. In the early days of a cold, a watery discharge comes out of the nose. After a few days, this discharge may thicken and turn yellow or green. It is normal for the discharge to change color in this way. It does not mean that you have a bacterial infection , such as a sinus infection. So don't worry about it.

How long does a cold last?

A cold usually lasts about a week . During the first three days after you start having symptoms, you are most contagious. This means you can pass the illness on to others. So it's best to stay home and rest as much as possible during those days. If your cold symptoms don't improve after a week, you may have a bacterial infection. If that's the case, you may need antibiotics. That's why it's important to see a doctor. Sometimes what we think is a cold is actually an allergy (allergic rhinitis / hay fever) or a sinus infection (sinusitis) . With a cold, the symptoms start suddenly and subside within a week. Otherwise, if your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor to find out if it's an allergy or sinusitis.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of the flu are usually more severe than those of a cold, and they start suddenly . The main symptoms of the flu are:

• Sore throat
• Having a high fever
• Headache .
• Body aches and muscle aches
• Nasal congestion
• Cough

Some types of flu (especially swine flu) can also cause vomiting and diarrhea . Most flu symptoms go away within two to five days. However, it is common to feel unwell for a week or more. Pneumonia is a serious complication of the flu. This is especially true for young children, the elderly, and people with lung or heart disease. If you have difficulty breathing , be sure to tell your doctor. Another symptom of pneumonia is a fever that goes away after a day or two, then comes back. Like cold viruses, flu viruses enter our bodies through the mucous membranes in our nose, eyes, or mouth. Every time you touch these areas, you can potentially infect our bodies. That's why it's so important to wash your hands with soap and water and keep them clean.

Is this a cold or a flu? Let's find out the difference.

How do you know for sure what you have? Many doctors say to check your fever . The symptoms of a fever are often similar to those of a cold. However, a common cold rarely has a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C). If you have the flu, you will have a high fever right away and feel very ill. Body aches and muscle aches are more common with a fever. The table below will help you understand this difference more clearly.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of a cold or flu and one or more of the following severe symptoms , see a doctor immediately.

• Persistent fever: If you have a fever for more than three days, it could be a sign of another bacterial infection.
• Severe pain when swallowing: A slight sore throat is normal. However, if the pain is so severe that you can't swallow, it could be a condition that requires treatment, such as strep throat .
• Persistent cough : If your cough doesn't go away after two to three weeks, it could be a condition like bronchitis . Asthma is also a cause of persistent cough.
• Persistent nasal congestion and headache: If you have a stuffy nose for a week, along with pain around your eyes and face, and a thick, runny nose, it could be a bacterial sinus infection.

Situations requiring emergency medical treatment (go to the ETU!)

In some cases, you may need immediate emergency treatment. If you are an adult , be very careful of the following symptoms. If you have any of these, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• Severe chest pain
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Persistent vomiting

If it's a young child , in addition to the above symptoms, watch out for these:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bluish discoloration of the skin
• Distraction
• Laziness and lack of interest in anything
• Unbearable irritability
• Symptoms subside, then suddenly worsen again
• Rash with fever

Can you prevent colds and flu?

Yes, you can. The most important and simplest way to prevent colds and flu is to wash your hands often. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can kill viruses. In addition, you can get a flu vaccine to prevent the flu. Within two weeks of getting the vaccine, your body develops antibodies that protect you from the flu. If you have been in close contact with someone who has the flu, you may also be able to take prescription antiviral medicine to help prevent the illness. Talk to your doctor about this. Cold, flu, cold, symptoms, common cold, viral infections