Colds & Flu
What is the Difference?
The common cold and seasonal flu have similar symptoms — both are contagious respiratory illnesses — but there are a few key differences. A cold is generally milder than the flu, and the flu usually comes with a fever, aches, and chills. Colds also come on slower, while the flu usually hits hard and fast. In young children, a fever may accompany their cold because their bodies aren’t yet accustomed to fighting off infection without raising their body temperature.
IInfluenza (The Flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by different strains of the flu virus. Typical symptoms include sudden onset, fever, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches.
It is important to not let flu symptoms get out of hand as it can lead to more serious complications such as bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia.
How can Willis Urgent Care help?
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If you feel you are coming down with the flu, a Willis Urgent Care clinician can diagnose the flu based on your symptoms. If you are diagnosed, the provider can prescribe antiviral medication. If antivirals are taken early on, these drugs may shorten the course of the flu. Antivirals can also help prevent flu symptoms worsening and causing more complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis etc.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists common cold symptoms as:
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Sneezing
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A runny nose
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Coughing
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Dry throat
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Mild body aches or headaches
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Watery eyes
Flu Symptoms include:
Fever (often high)
A headache
Extreme tiredness
A dry cough
A sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.
Emergency Room:
If you or your children are experiencing the following symptoms with the flu, a trip to the Emergency Room may be in order:
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Severe difficulty breathing
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Confusion
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Severe vomiting
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Signs of dehydration
For more information on Colds & Flu, see the following websites:
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https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/default.htm
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www.emedicinehealth.com/flu_in_children_health/article_em.htm#influenza_flu_in_children_facts
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Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of Willis Urgent Care. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.
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