As the winter season winds down, so do the seasons for flu and cold (hopefully). But how do you know if you have influenza or just a regular cold?
A lot of the time it can be difficult to differentiate the two. Both are respiratory illnesses that show extremely similar symptoms, but they are two completely different viruses.
In general, the flu is worse than a cold, presenting symptoms such as a fever lasting three or four days, body aches, lethargy, and a dry cough. It can also produce chills and chest discomfort. The flu can also result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, and hospitalizations do occur.
The common cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat that goes away after a few days. Nasal symptoms including sinus pressure, a runny nose, and congestion follow, along with a cough later on. A fever isn’t typical but can occur, especially in younger children. A cold usually lasts a maximum of seven to 14 days. If you are still experiencing symptoms after two weeks, make an appointment to see a health-care professional. You should also call your doctor if you’re experiencing a persistent fever, pain when swallowing, or a cough that lasts for more than two to three weeks.
In some cases, emergency medical attention may be needed right away. You should call 911 if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness/confusion
For pediatric patients, additional reasons to call for an ambulance may be:
- Difficult or rapid breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color)
- Extreme irritability and distress
- Fever
The best way to protect yourself from getting any type of sickness is to wash your hands with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes—throwing away the tissue promptly—and get the yearly influenza vaccination. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, which is roughly equivalent to the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice. It’s also important to maintain a healthy immune system by drinking plenty of fluids (water!), exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Hannah Egan is a 2013 graduate of the Bromfield School, a freshman at UMass, and a member of the Harvard ambulance squad.
