Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
| Signs & Symptoms | Cold | Flu | Treatment |
| Onset of symptoms | Gradual | Abrupt | |
| Fever | Rare | Usual | Acetaminophen/Tylenol |
| Aches | Slight | Usual | Ibuprofen, Tylenol |
| Chills | Uncommon | Fairly common | Fluids, layering clothes, Tylenol |
| Fatigue/weakness | Sometimes | Usual | |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes | Antihistamine |
| Chest discomfort/cough | Mild to moderate | Common | Wet cough → Mucinex
Dry Cough → Dextromethorphan |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes | Antihistamine |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Cepacol |
| Headache | Rare | Common | Ibuprofen, Tylenol |
FLU VS. THE COMMON COLD
Influenza and the Common Cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by the influenza virus only, while the common cold can be caused by several different viruses, with rhinovirus and parainfluenza being the most common. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the cold and flu based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is “worse” than the common cold. Its symptoms are more severe and present abruptly, whereas cold symptoms are milder. People with a cold are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose while everyone with the flu will have a fever. The flu can result in serious health consequences such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. The cold generally does not lead to further health problems.
FLU VS. COVID-19
People with Covid-19 can show a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe cases. These symptoms can include
| Fever or Chills | Cough |
|
Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing |
|
| Fatigue | Muscle or Body Aches |
| Headache | New Loss of Taste or Smell |
| Sore Throat | Congestion or Runny Nose |
| Nausea or Vomiting | Diarrhea |
The Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. From what we know, COVID spreads more easily than the flu. COVID can cause more serious illnesses than the flu. COVID-19 can also take longer for symptoms for show and people can remain contagious for a longer period. Because the symptoms overlap between both illnesses, testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. Testing for both flu and COVID is offered here at Oswald’s by appointment. We also bill insurance for eight at-home covid tests per month. The best way to prevent COVID or reduce the severity of symptoms if exposed is to be up to date with vaccinations. The most recent booster approved by the CDC is the bivalent booster available through Pfizer (12 years and up) and Moderna (18 years and up). This new formula is the only one to cover the Omicron strain. Both options are available here at Oswald’s by appointment. Let’s be prepared and vaccinated to protect ourselves and our communities during this flu season. ℞