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COLD & FLU BASICS

COLD VS FLU: HOW TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

COLD VS FLU: HOW TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Because of the overlap in symptoms, people often mix up cold and flu. Understand the differences between cold and flu by considering the facts.

Cold & Flu Causes

Cold

The common cold is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). It’s generally not considered serious, and most people recover within a week or two.1 There are over 100 viruses that can cause the common cold.

Flu

The flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus that affects your entire respiratory system—nose, throat and lungs.2 Since these viruses constantly change, even if you’ve had the flu in the past, your body might be susceptible to a new strain this year.3

Compare cold & flu symptoms 4,5

Cold

  

Flu
Rare Fever
 Common
Mild Fatigue Moderate to severe
Rare Chills Comon
Slight
 Body aches Common and often severe
Less common Headaches Common
Common Stuffy nose Less Common
Common Sore Throat Less common
Common; a hacking cough that brings up mucus Cough-What type Common; a cough that gets more wet with progression.
Mild to moderate Chest Congestion Often severe

How Long Will You Be Contagious With Cold & Flu

Cold

You are most contagious for the first 2 or 3 days after symptoms first appear. However, symptoms may continue to linger.

Flu

You are most contagious for the first 1 or 2 days before symptoms first appear and 5 to 7 days after symptoms develop.

The Bottom Line on Cold & Flu

Cold

Cold symptoms are generally less severe than those associated with the flu and develop gradually.

Flu

Flu symptoms develop quickly6 and can range from mild to severe, and may sometimes lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections.2

What is Theraflu Good For?

Whether you’ve got a cold or flu, Theraflu hot liquids, syrups, and caplets are designed to relieve your worst symptoms fast—including nasal congestion, cough, sore throat pain, fever, headache, sinus congestion, body aches, sneezing, runny nose and chest congestion. Find out which Theraflu product is for you.

Sources:

“Common Cold.” Symptoms & Causes. Web. Retrieved June, 25, 2019, from, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
“Influenza (flu).” - Mayo Clinic. Web. Retrieved June, 25 2019, from, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/basics/definition/con-20035101
“Influenza (flu).” Preventative Steps. Web. Retrieved June 25, 2019, from, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm
“Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine.” (2015). Retrieved June, 25, 2019, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
“Cold Versus Flu.” (January 30, 2018). Retrieved June 25, 2019, from, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm