Is It a Cold or the Flu? Here's How to Tell

Is It a Chilly or the Flu? This is Inform

FRIDAY, Dec. 30, 2016 (HealthDay Information) -- It is a depressing feeling -- you are exhausted, your throat hurts, and also you're achy and feverish. However is it a chilly or the flu?

In line with Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at Texas A&M School of Nursing, the flu and a typical chilly can have comparable signs, however with just a few distinct variations.

The commonest chilly signs are gentle fatigue, fever, cough, sore throat and head, chest or nasal congestion. Additionally, a runny nostril, sneezing and watery eyes are normal telltale indicators, she mentioned.

"The frequent chilly is sophisticated to deal with and cannot be cured, however relaxation and diet appear to be the perfect strategy," Weston mentioned in a school information launch. "You'll be able to take medicines to deal with the signs and make your self extra snug."

A chilly sometimes goes away inside every week. If you happen to nonetheless really feel sick after every week, or in case your signs are extreme or you have got bronchial asthma or different power circumstances, it could be time to see a well being care supplier, Weston suggested.

"The flu sometimes comes on fast and robust versus a nagging chilly. You could be feeling nice throughout the morning however can really feel horrible, with a fever and aches, within the afternoon," Weston mentioned.

One other distinction between the flu and the frequent chilly is the kind of aches and pains.

"Aches and pains are prevalent in each circumstances, however with a chilly, the aches are gentle and customarily related to congestion. The flu can current with deep muscle pains in your massive muscular tissues, together with your legs and again," Weston mentioned.

If you happen to get the flu, anti-viral medicines prescribed inside 48 hours of its onset can cut back the depth of signs and cut back the chance of issues, she mentioned.

"Each the flu and chilly can result in additional issues like pneumonia, bronchitis or sinusitis. The flu is extra possible to take action," Weston famous. "It is best to deal with the signs and keep well-rested to reduce the probabilities of additional issues."

-- Robert Preidt

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SOURCE: Texas A&M College, information launch