Cold or flu? How to tell them apart
Colds and flu are both viruses that affect the airways and are more common in winter, but flu is usually more severe, starts suddenly, and can cause complications in some people. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether to rest at home or see a doctor.
| Symptom | Common cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual, over two or three days | Sudden, within hours |
| Fever | Rare or mild | Common and can be high |
| Body aches | Mild | Usually severe |
| Tiredness and exhaustion | Mild | Severe and can last weeks |
| Sneezing and runny nose | Very common | Sometimes |
| Headache | Sometimes | Common |
| Complications | Rare | Possible, such as pneumonia |
Who should be more careful with flu?
- Adults over 65.
- Young children, especially under 5.
- Pregnant women.
- People with diabetes, heart, chest or kidney disease, or a weak immune system.
If anyone in these groups gets flu symptoms, it's best to contact a doctor early, because there are treatments a doctor may decide to use that work best when started in the first two days.
What can you do at home?
- Plenty of rest and lots of fluids.
- A fever reducer and pain reliever at the right dose. Ask the pharmacist which suits your age and condition.
- Stay at home until at least a day after your fever has gone, so you don't infect anyone.
Warning signs that shouldn't wait
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Severe dizziness, confusion or unusual drowsiness.
- A high fever that doesn't come down with a fever reducer.
- In children: fast breathing, bluish colour, not drinking, or hard to wake.
Prevention
The seasonal flu vaccine is given every year; ask your doctor whether it's right for you. Also: wash your hands often, air your home, avoid crowds when infections are spreading, and ask anyone with symptoms to wear a mask.
Need a pharmacist's opinion? Call us or send a WhatsApp message. Our branches in Tanta and Kafr El-Zayat are open 24 hours.
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