It’s chilly outside, and your nose is running. You’re wondering if it’s a flu or just a cold. You’re not alone; it can be tricky to tell the difference. Both flu and cold share many symptoms.

Nevertheless, there are differences that can help you identify the flu from a cold. In this post, we’ll go through the symptoms of both illnesses, and we’ll give you tips to differentiate them.

Symptoms of a Cold

The common cold is a viral infection affecting your respiratory system. Usually, symptoms show up within two or three days after being infected. The symptoms of a cold include :.

Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Cough
Sore throat
Mild headache
Mild body ache
Mild fatigue

Cold symptoms are usually mild and don’t require medical attention. However, if you have a high fever or symptoms that are not improving, you should visit your doctor.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. The symptoms of the flu are more severe than cold symptoms and appear suddenly. Symptoms show up within one to four days after being infected.

The symptoms of the flu include:.

High fever (above 100°F)
Body chills and sweats
Muscle or body aches
Headache
A dry cough
Weakness and fatigue
Sore throat
Nasal congestion

The flu can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, though these symptoms are more common in children than in adults.

Differences Between the Flu and Cold

Now that we’ve looked at the symptoms of both, let’s take a look at the differences between the flu and a cold.

Fever: A high fever (above 100°F) is a reliable indicator of the flu. Colds, on the other hand, usually cause a low-grade fever or no fever at all.
Symptom onset: Flu symptoms start suddenly, while cold symptoms develop gradually.
Severity: Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms.
Fatigue: While you might feel tired and sluggish with a cold, flu can cause extreme fatigue that lasts for several weeks.
Duration: Colds usually last a week, while the flu can last two weeks or more.
Chest discomfort: The flu can cause chest discomfort and a severe cough.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re unsure if you have a cold or the flu, the best course of action is to see your doctor. They can recommend treatment tailored to your symptoms. There are a few symptoms that should prompt you to visit your doctor, including:.

A high fever (above 100°F) for several days
Difficulty breathing
Fast breathing
Chest pain or discomfort
Confusion or dizziness
Seizures
Worsening of existing conditions, such as asthma or heart failure

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. You can also reduce your risk of infection by:.

Washing your hands frequently
Avoiding close contact with sick people
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Staying home when you’re sick
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with flu germs
Wearing a mask if you’re in close contact with someone who has the flu

If you do get the flu, there are antiviral medications that can shorten the duration of symptoms. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications can help relieve flu symptoms, such as acetaminophen for fever and body aches and cough suppressants for coughing.

Conclusion

Identifying the flu from a cold can be tricky because the symptoms are similar. However, a few differences can help you tell them apart. The flu is usually more severe and causes a high fever, while cold symptoms develop gradually.

If you’re unsure, see your doctor. Prevention is your best protection from the flu. Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with sick people.