Colds and Flu
Colds and flu are both extremely common infections. However, colds are hundreds of times more common than influenza except during flu epidemics. These illnesses share many features:
- caused by viruses
- highly contagious
- involve the respiratory tract
- fairly predictable seasonal pattern
Because of these similarities, the terms “cold” and “flu” are often used interchangeably. However, there are important differences between these two types of infections, particularly in terms of prevention, severity and treatment.
- Get a flu shot every year. Flu shots are widely available and Student Health Services has a limited number of doses available during Fall Semester.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently and definitely after touching things like doorknobs, stair rails, and public computer keyboards. Also clean hands before eating.
- Minimize contact with sick people. If you do have to care for or be around a sick person, consider wearing a mask or ask that person to wear one.
- Don’t touch the T-zone. Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands thoroughly.
- Cover your cough.
Sign and Symptoms |
Influenza |
Colds |
| Onset | Sudden (within a few hours) | Gradual (over a day or two) |
| Fever | Characteristicly high (over 101°F); lasting 2-4 days | Occasional |
| Cough | Nonproductive; can become severe | Hacking at first, later may be productive |
| Headache | Prominent and often severe | Frequent and usually less severe |
| Muscle aches |
Usual; often severe | Slight |
| Fatigue; weakness | Can last up to 2-3 weeks | Very mild |
| Extreme exhaustion | Early and prominent | Seldom |
| Chest discomfort | Common | Mild to moderate |
| Stuffy, runny nose | Occasional | Very common |
| Sneezing | Occasional | Usual |
| Season | Most cases between November and February | All year round, with peak in the winter |
| Severity | Severe illness, especially in first 2-4 days | Mild to moderate illness |
| Do antibiotics help? | No | No |
Medication |
Symptoms They Treat |
| Overall pain and fever reducers— Tylenol, Bayer, Anacin, Motrin IB, Advil |
Headaches, minor aches and pains, fever |
| Decongestants— Sudafed, Privine, Afrin, Neo-Synephrine |
Nasal congestion, sinus pressure and sinus congestion |
| Antihistamines (may cause drowsiness)— Dimetapp Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist-1, Benedryl |
Runny nose, watery eyes |
| Cough Suppressants— Robitussin DM |
Cough |
| Cough Medications— Robitussin (various preparations) |
Cough |
| Local Throat Pain Relief— Cepacol, Sucrets, Cepastat Lozenges |
Sore throat |
The most serious complication of influenza is pneumonia—an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by the influenza virus itself, or by bacteria that are able to enter the lungs because natural defenses have been weakened by the flu. Anyone with persistent symptoms beyond a week merits medical attention. In addition, marked difficulty breathing or chest pain associated with coughing at any point during the illness should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Seek medical attention if you have:
- a temperature over 101°F for more than 48 hours.
- a cough associated with pain in the chest.
- shortness of breath (which is different from a stuffy nose).
- persistent sore throat, especially without the runny or stuffy nose typical of a cold.
- an extremely red throat.
- no improvement within 7 days.
- severe headache with a fever.
- worsening pain in one or both ears.
- any chronic medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes, which may complicate a cold.
REFERENCES: Guidelines for the prevention/treatment of Influenza and The Common Cold, Amer. Lung Assoc. August 2008
About Antibiotics
Comfort Measures for your Cold or Flu
When to See a Doctor