Feeling under the weather? The Difference Between Cold & Flu can be confusing, especially since both illnesses share some symptoms. This guide helps you decipher the chills from the sniffles, so you can get the proper treatment and feel better fast.
Cold vs. Flu: A Tale of Two Viruses
The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses. Colds are most frequent, involving a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and low-grade fever. Meanwhile, the flu hits harder and faster, often leading to body aches, high fever, and extreme fatigue.
Here’s a breakdown of key differences:
- Onset: Colds come on gradually, while flu symptoms appear abruptly.
- Symptoms: Colds primarily affect the upper respiratory system (stuffy nose, sore throat), while flu symptoms can impact the whole body (muscle aches, fatigue).
- Fever: Colds rarely cause high fever, whereas flu typically presents with a fever of 102-104°F.
- Severity: Colds are generally milder and shorter-lived (3-7 days) than flu (7-14 days).
- Complications: Colds rarely cause serious complications, while flu can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization, especially in high-risk groups.
5 Signs You Might Have the Flu:
- Sudden Onset: Flu symptoms appear abruptly, unlike a cold’s gradual progression.
- High Fever: Flu typically involves a high fever (102-104°F), while colds rarely do.
- Body Aches: Muscle aches and fatigue are classic flu symptoms, uncommon with colds.
- Headache: Headaches are frequent with flu but less so with colds.
- Severe Symptoms: Flu symptoms are generally more severe and debilitating compared to a cold.
Unsure if it’s a Cold or Flu? Unicare Clinic Can Help!
If you’re struggling with cold or flu-like symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Unicare Clinic has English-speaking doctors available 24/7 in Ubud, Uluwatu, and more locations across Bali. We can diagnose your illness, recommend treatment options, and help you recover swiftly.
Visit Unicare Clinic today and feel better tomorrow!
