Cold or Flu

Billions of people around the world are affected by cold and flu. The common cold accounts for roughly one billion cases in the United States annually. Cases of flu are more difficult to estimate, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

People who are hospitalized or die of flu-related causes are under-reported. Between 2010-2020, anywhere up to roughly 40 million patients may have contracted influenza — also called the flu, for short. According to the CDC, flu cases are nearly impossible to track since providers may not maintain flu records, some patients never seek medical care and many don’t receive an annual flu shot.

Both illnesses share common symptoms like coughing, sneezing and congestion — but the flu is more severe. Having the flu can also lead to health complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalization.

What’s the Difference Between Cold and Flu?

A cold can be largely harmless with uncomfortable symptoms that last about 10 days. A cold can be caused by different viruses.

The flu is caused only by an influenza virus. Untreated flu can send patients to urgent care, especially people with weak immune systems, sick infants and frail seniors. Patients with underlying conditions like asthma, bronchitis or heart disease are hit harder by the flu.

Cases of seasonal influenza vary significantly year by year, depending on vaccination rates and the flu strains involved. You may feel the same respiratory effects of a cold, but in addition you might experience fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Cold: Adults typically experience 2-3 colds annually, while children have more due to developing immune systems and very close contact in school. Symptoms include stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing.
• Flu: The flu is spread by germy droplets by people already infected with the flu, when they cough, sneeze, laugh or talk. (Please stay home when you feel sick!.)

Treatments for cold and flu

There’s no magic cure for the common cold or the flu, but practical treatments and pain relievers may help. More tips:

• Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands. Scrubbing with soap is one of the best ways to prevent a cold.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who’s sick, sniffly and contagious.
• Take a COVID test to rule that out immediately, and visit urgent care for more information.
• Try over-the-counter pain relief that can ease symptoms of both cold and flu.
• Take prescribed antiviral drugs, which can reduce severity of the flu. They are usually prescribed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
• Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Be sure to sip water, juice, tea and broth throughout the day.
• With your doctor’s approval, try medicated throat lozenges, saline nasal sprays and steam baths to ease congestion.

While colds and flu share similarities, they are different conditions. Research and public health are making strides in flu prevention, vaccine sciences and more effective antiviral medications.