The Difference Between the Flu and a Cold
Flu season generally runs from fall into the winter, though it can go as late as May. It coincides with what is considered to be the common cold season, which tends to run from September to April. This means there are two common, infectious respiratory illnesses at their peak at the same time. With the differing severities of both conditions, it can be helpful to identify which you have as early as possible, but how?
While both the cold and the flu can look similar, there are a few telltale signs that point to one or the other. Let’s look at a few of these, as well as when you should see a doctor (e.g., if you’re a senior with the flu).
The Common Cold
The less severe of the two illnesses, the common cold is the most common illness in the United States; Americans catch an estimated 1 billion colds each year! The common cold is actually a catch-all name for several different viruses — most commonly rhinoviruses or coronaviruses (but not COVID-19, which is more severe) — which is a major reason why we don’t have a vaccine for the cold yet.
Signs of A Cold
Common symptoms of the cold are:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Generally feeling unwell
As you can see, these are fairly mild symptoms. You won’t feel excellent for the duration of the illness — which is usually a week or two — but you shouldn’t feel absolutely horrible. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after 10 days, or your condition has worsened, it’s time to see a doctor, especially if you have a compromised immune system or if you’re a senior.
How to Treat the Common Cold
To be on the safe side, you should always consult a doctor on matters of your health. They can give you the best treatment advice based on your current health and your health history, family medical history, etc. The good news is that treatment for the cold can often be done at home with a mix of over-the-counter medicine — like pain killers and decongestants — and at-home remedies — plenty of rest and fluids like water. Funnily enough, the old wives’ tale about chicken soup for a cold is also true, which can make it worth trying if you’re feeling under the weather.
The Flu
While a cold sounds fairly mild and, while not pleasant, like not much more than an annoyance, the flu is worse. The flu is caused by an influenza virus, most commonly Influenza A or Influenza B. This consistency is why we’re able to have a vaccine, though the viruses can change — which is why we need a new vaccine each year.
Signs of the Flu
The flu shares several symptoms with the common cold, but they manifest in more severe ways. Usually, the symptoms of the flu are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
How to Treat the Flu
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: To be on the safe side, you should always consult a doctor on matters of your health! They can give you the best treatment advice based on your current health and your health history, family medical history, etc. In many cases, the flu can be treated much like the cold, with bed rest and fluids. Besides rest and fluids, people can usually treat the flu with over-the-counter medications — like pain killers and decongestants. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. This medication can weaken the flu’s symptoms and reduce the time you have them.
What’s the Big Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?
The symptoms of both the cold and the flu are very similar. Both share runny noses, coughs, sore throats, fevers, and headaches. That’s five of the eight flu symptoms, and “general unwell feelings” from a cold could easily describe aches and fatigue from the flu. Suffice to say, it can be really easy to mix up a cold and a flu. The major difference is that one is more severe — killing tens of thousands of Americans each year — while the other is an annoyance for most. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there were 24,000 to 62,000 influenza deaths in the United States in the 2019/20 flu season. This is why we support everyone getting a flu shot each year (besides, if you’re a beneficiary of Medicare, it’s covered!).
The flu’s severity can be especially worrisome if you’re in an at-risk group, like those over 65 or those who have chronic health conditions. If you’re in one of these groups and have flu-like symptoms (even if you think it’s a cold), you should go to your doctor right away. This is a case of better safe than sorry!
There are ways you can try to tell whether or not you have a cold or a flu on your own. One of the primary signs that points toward the flu vs. a cold is how quickly the symptoms start. With a cold, you’ll develop symptoms gradually. The flu tends to come out of nowhere, effectively bulldozing you with symptoms. Some of the symptoms will also point one way or the other. While a fever, aches, fatigue, and chills are possible for a cold, they are much more common in the flu. Alternatively, if you’re experiencing the milder symptoms, like runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat, it’s more likely a cold. You may still get the same symptoms of a cold, but if they’re severe, it’s worth visiting the doctor to be sure. It can also help to know that the flu also is likely to last for a shorter time than a cold, usually with symptoms letting up by a week. For those who’ve gotten a flu vaccine, you’ll likely have the flu for an even shorter time!
● ● ●
With flu and cold season running for such a long period of the year, it pays to be smart and avoid getting sick all together. However, if you do get sick, being smart also includes knowing when to check with your doctor if you’re unsure if you have a cold or the flu. While there are ways to identify each illness, nothing beats a sound medical opinion! Whether a trip to the doctor is urgently needed or your next few days are filled with bed rest and chicken soup, we hope you feel better soon.
Featured Blogs
- Learning to Ski
- The Stories Behind Classic Christmas Carols
- 4 More Tips to Make Christmas Tree Hunt Less Stressful
- Why Do We Celebrate That? Other Festive Holidays
- A Senior Guide to Boston
- A Senior Guide to Edinburgh
- How Does Medicare Cover Osteoporosis?
- What are Ulcers?
- Medicare's Coverage of Parkinson's Disease
- What is a Cognitive Screening?
- Spooky Spots for Halloween 2023
- 4 Ways to Keep Trick-or-Treating Safe
- 10 Classic Horror Books for Halloween
- Here's What Medicare Costs in 2024
- 10 Safety Rules for Seniors Who Enjoy Hunting
- Medicareful Living is Changing Its Name — Here's Why
- CMS Releases 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Costs
- Can You Keep Your Medicare Plan Each Year?
- A Senior Guide to Lucerne
- Is Expensive Cookware Worth It?
- The Drug Prices Medicare Can Directly Negotiate
- Does Medicare Ever Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
- A Senior Guide to Barcelona
- How Does COBRA Work with Medicare?
- Different Ways Medicare Can Cover Drug Costs
- Medicareful Living is Changing Its Name — Here's Why
- CMS Releases 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Costs
- Can You Keep Your Medicare Plan Each Year?
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to Lucerne
- Is Expensive Cookware Worth It?
- The Drug Prices Medicare Can Directly Negotiate
- Does Medicare Ever Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to Barcelona
- How Does COBRA Work with Medicare?
- Different Ways Medicare Can Cover Drug Costs
- All About Enrolling in Social Security
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to the Madrid
- Does Medicare Cover Open-Heart Surgery?
- Exercise Tips for Summer
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to Lisbon
- Hosting a Safe Summer Barbecue
- Senior Summer Barbecue Tips
- Does Medicare Cover Biopsies?
- 5 Foods to Avoid if You Have High Blood Pressure
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to the Finger Lakes
- Does Medicare Cover Endoscopies?
- Ways Seniors Can Recover from a Workout
- Is Chocolate Healthy for You?
- Understanding Adult ADHD
- How Does Medicare Cover Hypertension?
- The Symptoms and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
- How to Determine What Temperature to Use When Cooking
- Eating Healthy on a Budget
- Keeping Fit on Vacation
- Is Your Tonsillectomy Covered by Medicare?
- Tips for the Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Kitchen First Aid Tips
- What Does FDA-Approved Mean?
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Guide to New York City
- How to Caramelize Onions
- Why Do We Celebrate That? April Fools’ Day
- Medicare and Powers of Attorney
- The Essential Role of Eggs in Cooking
- What are Different Types of Complementary
and Alternative Medicine? - Tips for Remembering to Take Your Medicine
- What is Medicare Part E?
- Building Your Basic At-Home Senior Gym
- How to Make Stovetop Popcorn
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to New Orleans
- How to Navigate & Read Academic Articles
- Phytonutrients: What Plant Color Says About Nutrition
- How to Prevent or Reduce Inflammation
- Osteoporosis: Risk Factors, Signs, and Treatment
- How to Make Homemade Pretzels
- Researching Your Ancestry and Family Tree
- How Medicare and Social Security Work Together
- What is Nordic Walking?
- Food Questions You've Been Embarrassed to Ask
- How Medicare Changed for 2023 and Beyond
- Tips for Using a Microwave
- How to Clean Your Ears Safely
- Skiing as a Healthy Hobby for Seniors
- 3 More Great Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve
- Why Do We Celebrate That? More New Year's Eve Traditions
- Panettone, the Italian Christmas Dessert
- A Simple Homemade Gingerbread Recipe
- How to Make Christmas Decorating Jollier
- The Science of Winter Weight Gain
- Seasonal Picks: 3 Foods You Should Try This Winter
- 5 Tips to Make Getting Your Christmas Tree Stress-Free
- Show-Stopping Potato Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Dishes to Impress Your Friends: Boeuf Bourguignon
- Holiday Travel Tips to Reduce Stress
- Does Medicare Cover Pain Management?
- Is Hunting a Healthy Senior Hobby?
- Ways You Can Get More Politically Involved
- What are Medicare's Lifetime Reserve Days?
- Spooky Spots for Seniors Halloween 2022
- How to Make Soul Cakes for Halloween
- Jack O' Lantern Carving Tips for Halloween
- Easy Ways to Peel a Potato
- 2023 Social Security COLA Largest in Decades
- Exercise Tips for Autumn
- How to Make Candy Apples at Home
- Why are Medicare Insurance Sales Calls Recorded?
- Here's What Medicare Costs in 2023
- CMS Updates Medicare Enrollment Rules for 2023
- Medicareful Travel: Senior Trip to London
- Does Medicare Cover Insomnia Treatment?
- Healthy and Easy Homemade Dog Treats
- The FDA Finalizes Ruling to Increase Access to Hearing Aids
- What the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Means for Medicare
- Tips to Make Flying and Airports Less Stressful
- CMS Projects Lower 2023 Part D Average Costs
- The 15 Golden Rules of Airplane Etiquette
- How Often Should You Shower?
- What are Medicare Pilot Programs?
- How to Care for Your Cast Iron Cookware
- Confronting a Loved One About Hurtful Behavior
- What Does Creditable Coverage Mean for Medicare?
- Using Za'atar in Your Cooking
- Dealing with Canceled Flights
- Protecting Your Vacation from Flight Disruptions
- Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Medicare Coverage?
- Which is Better: A Bath or Shower?
- Are Weight Loss Medications Healthy?
- Healthy Strategies for Anger Management
- The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- The Difference Between Common Cooking Papers and Foils
- What are Medicare I-SNPs?
- Identifying Toxic Relationships in Your Life
- Healthy Ways to Spice Up Your Water
- All About Medicare Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans
- Medicareful Travels: A Senior Guide to All-Inclusive Resorts
- Does Medicare Cover Occupational Therapy?
- Lower 2023 Medicare Part B Premium Could Be on the Way
- Which is Better: Natural or Artificial Sweeteners?
- Tips for Vacationing with Pets
- Is It Better to Work Out Harder or Longer?
- Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
- Are Medicare Part B Giveback Plans Worth It?
- Introducing the Medicareful Living Family Cookbook!
- Medicare Coverage for Treatment of PTSD
- The Causes and Treatments of Nasal Congestion
- Dishes to Impress Your Friends: Spring Rolls
- Medicare Freezes Late Enrollment Penalties for Qualifying Enrollees
- What is a 5-Star Medicare Plan?
- What is PTSD?
- What is Inflammation?
- What is Medicare's Secondary Payer Program?
- What You Should Know When Buying Cast Iron Cookware
- What Does MACRA Mean for You?
- What to Do If You Receive a Terminal Diagnosis
- Dishes to Impress Your Friends: Homemade Lobster Ravioli
- Reading and Understanding Your Blood Pressure
- How to Be a Snowbird in Retirement (18 Questions to Ask!)