How to Know if You Have a Cold or Flu

By Elizabeth Leigh

When you are sick, how do you know if you have a cold or flu? Symptoms of a cold or flu can be very similar. And while they are both respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different types of viruses and there are ways to differentiate between the two illnesses. In order to know how to treat the cold or flu you first need to know which virus you have. Read on to find out if you have a cold or flu.

Step 1
First of all, many symptoms are shared by the cold or flu, but cold symptoms are usually less severe and come on more gradually than flu symptoms. Symptoms of the flu can present themselves within 3-6 hours of being exposed to the influenza virus.

Step 2
One of the most common differences between the cold or flu is the presence of a high fever (101-104 degrees) with the flu. A low grade fever can occur with a cold, but it is more common in children than adults.

Step 3
Severe body aches, fatigue and chills are more likely to be present with the flu and are not common cold symptoms.

Step 4
Another difference in symptoms between the cold or flu is the cough. With a cold you usually have a hacking, productive cough while a symptom of the flu is a dry, unproductive cough.

Step 5
Sneezing, stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat are much more likely to be present with a cold.

Step 6
If you think that you may have the flu you can be treated with antivirals, but it is important see your doctor within 12-48 hours of the onset of symptoms for these to be effective.