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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