These symptoms can be present in both the common cold and the flu.
So what is the difference between the cold and the flu?
A cold is milder than the flu. A cold may make you feel bad for a few days and the flu can make you feel very sick for a few days to a few weeks.The common cold may start with a sore throat that quickly goes away. You may notice some nasal symptoms such as a runny nosefollowed by congestion. Most of the time there will not be a fever associated with a cold; although, a fever may be present.
Did you know that during the first three days of a cold, you are contagious! During this time, it is best to keep your children home from school or to finally use that sick day from work.
After a week, if your cold symptoms do not go away, then you may need an antibiotic. To get an antibiotic, you will need to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. During this appointment, he/she will examine you and determine which treatment is best.
Those are common symptoms of the cold, but what are common flu symptoms?
Flu symptoms start rapidly. You may feel fine one hour, and then next hour you are achy and not feeling well.
Flu viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth . So think twice about putting your hands near these areas while you are sick! This is how illness spreads. Make sure to wash your hands under warm soapy water for the 30 seconds to prevent the spread of germs. It is also beneficial to educate your children on hand washing and proper hygiene to prevent the spread of germs while at school. Typically, schools are a breeding ground for colds and the flu. The more children understand how to prevent germs, the fewer germs will be spread.
