Is it a Cold or the Flu?

Is it the flu or the common cold?

Throughout the fall and winter months, there is often an increased risk of acquiring some type of cold or flu virus. Although the common cold and influenza viruses can both share many of the same symptoms, there are some distinct differences.

Both with the common cold and flu, you are likely to experience a sore throat, body aches and headache, fatigue and coughing (although the flu usually produces a dry cough; a cough from the common cold can be productive). While the symptoms may be the same, those with the common cold are typically less severe than the flu.

Influenza infections often begin with a sudden high fever. There is no fever with a common cold. Those with flu may also have stomach symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. With a common cold, there are typically more nasal symptoms including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, etc.

If you have flu-like symptoms, you are advised to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections to others. In addition, frequent hand-washing and cough etiquette can lessen the spread of respiratory illness. If symptoms are mild, there is no need to go the doctor.

However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Severe or continuous vomiting
• Inability to keep liquids down
• Dizziness when standing
• Inability to urinate

Seek medical attention for children if they are exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Bluish or gray skin
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or continuous vomiting
• Not waking up or interacting
• Irritable to the point that the child doesn't want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and worse cough

If you have additional questions about H1N1, call the University Hospitals H1N1 information line at 216-844-7246 or visit www.UHhospitals.org/H1N1.