{"id":6769,"date":"2025-02-03T10:53:06","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T10:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-compare-causes-symptoms-treatments-more-in-2025-2\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T05:56:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T05:56:37","slug":"hmn-compare-cold-and-flu-causes-symptoms-treatments-more-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-compare-cold-and-flu-causes-symptoms-treatments-more-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: Compare Cold and flu\u00a0 causes, symptoms, treatments, &amp; more in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  Compare causes, symptoms, treatments, &#038; more in 2025<\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Over 200 viruses cause the common cold, and the influenza virus causes the flu.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The flu is generally more severe than the common cold, with symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue, while cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Prevention methods for both include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and sanitizing surfaces. Additionally, getting a yearly flu vaccine can prevent influenza.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>It\u2019s advisable to see a healthcare provider for the flu within the first couple of days of symptom onset for possible antiviral treatment, whereas colds usually do not require medical care unless symptoms worsen or do not improve.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You open your eyes one morning; your throat is scratchy, your head hurts, and although you just woke up, you feel tired. All you want to do is pull the covers up over your head and go back to sleep. You know that if it\u2019s a cold, you will probably feel better in a few days, but if it is the flu, you should call your healthcare provider\u2014after all, medicines for the flu work best if you take it within a day or two of symptoms. But right now, you aren\u2019t sure what to do because your symptoms fit both.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The common cold and influenza (the flu) are both respiratory illnesses. Although it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart, generally, the flu is more serious. , we explain the symptoms of cold versus flu, what causes these viral infections, and when to see a healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"causes\"><b>Causes<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"cold\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are more than 200 different viruses that cause the common cold, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rhinoviruses cause 40%\u201350% of them<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some other viruses that cause colds include respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some colds are caused by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/coronavirus#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of coronaviruses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (such as 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1). But COVID-19 is different from these coronaviruses in that it generally causes a more severe illness, and is the newest. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, shaking, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colds are easily spread to others through airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze by an infected person. These droplets can remain in the air even after you have left the area. When someone inhales them, they can catch your cold. If the droplets land on a surface, they can survive on the surface <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/flu\/expert-answers\/infectious-disease\/faq-20057907\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and remain infectious for several hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Touching that surface and then touching your face can transfer the virus to you. That\u2019s why it is essential to wash your hands frequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people think colds are caused by being in cold weather, but they are not, despite the fact that colds occur more frequently in the fall and winter. One reason the virus spreads more quickly in the colder months is because people spend more time indoors and in closer proximity to one another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are several hundred viruses that cause colds, there is only one that causes flu: influenza. Influenza is further categorized into four different types: A, B, C, and D. Influenza viruses A and B cause seasonal epidemics, and type A is the only one known to cause pandemics. Type C causes only mild symptoms, and type D is primarily found in cattle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with the cold, the flu virus is passed from person to person through <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inhaling droplets in the air<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or touching a surface that someone with influenza recently contaminated. The flu can spread starting the day before symptoms appear and for up to seven days after the start of symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b> <\/b><b>How long is the flu contagious?<\/b><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"cold-vs-flu-causes\"><span class=\"title\">Cold vs. flu causes<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Causes<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200+ viruses; rhinoviruses account for 50%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 types of\u00a0 influenza viruses (A, B, C, and D)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Spread<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhaling droplets in the air or touching a surface that an infected person recently touched<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhaling droplets in the air or touching a surface that an infected person recently touched<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"prevalence\"><b>Prevalence<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cold virus is often referred to as the \u201ccommon cold\u201d because, well, it is common. There are more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000678.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 billion cases <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of colds in the United States each year. It accounts for more doctor\u2019s visits than any other health problem and is the most frequent reason for missing school or work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults get an average of two to four colds per year, and children get an average of six to eight colds per year, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/influenza\/facts-about-the-common-cold\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Lung Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because influenza is not a reportable disease, the CDC can only estimate how many people in the United States are affected each year. They develop estimates based on data from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/fluview\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. Influenza Surveillance System<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local health departments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu season, which is from October until May, is when most people develop the flu. During <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/whats-new\/flu-summary-addendum-2023-2024.html#\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the 2023\u20132024 flu season<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (from October 2023 through April 2024), the CDC estimates that there were:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 million cases of influenza<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18 million medical visits as a result of the flu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">470,000 people with the flu who required hospitalization\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28,000 people who died as a result of the flu or from complications\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, the CDC says influenza vaccination prevented 9.8 million illnesses, 4.8 million medical visits, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,900 deaths related to influenza.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"cold-vs-flu-prevalence\"><span class=\"title\">Cold vs. flu prevalence<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 billion cases of the cold each year in the United States<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children get 6\u20138 colds per year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults get 2\u20134 colds per year<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 million cases of the flu between October 2023 and April 2024<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children get the flu on average every other year*<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults (over the age of 30) get the flu about once every five years*<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* Based on a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosbiology\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pbio.1002082\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study published in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PLOS Biology<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/h5>\n<h2 id=\"symptoms\"><b>Symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-10\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common cold symptoms generally start one to three days after exposure to the virus and usually last <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seven to 10 days<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You might feel sluggish, but the cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up without medical intervention. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications help manage symptoms, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stuffy or runny nose (thick yellow or green discharge)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scratchy or sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watery eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-grade fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild dry cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Achy muscles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chills<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colds (respiratory tract infections) can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection or sinus infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-11\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu symptoms are often more severe than those of a cold and can last <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one to two weeks<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever, feeling feverish, or chills\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny or stuffy nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people might have vomiting or diarrhea, but this is more common in children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flu can also lead to moderate complications such as sinus or ear infections. Pneumonia is also a complication of the flu, which can be life-threatening. People with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to complications from the flu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"cold-vs-flu-symptoms\"><span class=\"title\">Cold vs. flu symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low or no fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stuffy or runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slight aches and pains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May feel sluggish or have a general feeling of being unwell<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible sneezing\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough, sometimes becoming severe<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body aches and pains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several weeks of fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme exhaustion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"diagnosis\"><b>Diagnosis<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-14\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colds are diagnosed based on your symptoms. Other conditions, such as bacterial infections, allergies, and the flu, share some of the same symptoms as the common cold, so healthcare providers may have to rule out those conditions. There are specialized tests that can identify a handful of the common viruses causing the common cold, but these are generally reserved for very sick patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-15\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Influenza can also be suspected based on symptoms; however, there are also <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flu tests<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can be used to indicate whether you have the flu. Having influenza confirmed by test will help you be more careful to isolate and avoid spreading it to others until the infectious period has passed. Tests are more accurate when taken within the first few days of symptoms. Therefore, if you think you have the flu, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"cold-vs-flu-diagnosis\"><span class=\"title\">Cold vs. flu diagnosis<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis based on symptoms or elimination of other medical conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosed based on a laboratory test, preferably within two days after symptoms appear<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"treatments\"><b>Treatments<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-18\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn\u2019t a cure for the common cold; however, OTC medications reduce cold symptoms. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decongestants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antihistamines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expectorants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain relievers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, you should rest and increase fluid intake. You might also find it helpful to gargle with salt water, use petroleum jelly for raw or chapped skin, and use warm steam to lessen congestion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics do not work because viruses, not bacterial infections, cause colds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Precautions while treating a cold:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should never give aspirin to a child with a fever, as it is associated with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reye\u2019s syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can be a serious or deadly disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a cold is not usually dangerous to pregnant women, some OTC medications could be harmful during pregnancy. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you have a fever, as fevers during early pregnancy could cause congenital disabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"heading-19\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have the flu, it is advisable to stay home, get plenty of rest, increase your fluids, and take OTC medications to relieve discomfort. There are also four antiviral drugs recommended by the CDC and approved by the FDA for the treatment of influenza: Tamiflu, Rapivab, Relenza, and Xofluza. Xofluza is also now <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-expands-approval-influenza-treatment-post-exposure-prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">approved<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent the flu after exposure to the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should discuss any present medical conditions with your healthcare provider before taking these medications. Relenza is not recommended for people with lung diseases. Xofluza is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b> <\/b><b>Does the flu shot or Tamiflu prevent COVID-19?<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"risk-factors\"><b>Risk factors<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-22\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone is at risk of getting a cold. Children tend to get colds more often because their immune systems are immature, meaning their exposure to viruses is limited. Because they spend time close to other children in daycare or school, they are more likely to be exposed to cold viruses. As their immune system learns to recognize cold viruses, it starts to attack similar viruses, which is why the number of colds lessens as you get older, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/common-cold\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">John Hopkins Medicine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colds are more common during the fall and winter months because people spend more time indoors, where cold viruses can linger in the air and on surfaces. The atmosphere is also drier during these months, and the lack of humidity can dry out nasal passages, making them more susceptible to cold viruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-23\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone is also at risk of getting the flu. Some diseases may increase the risk of developing serious flu complications. These include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Morbid obesity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immune disorders, such as HIV and AIDS<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatments that suppress the immune system, including long-term aspirin therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"cold-vs-flu-risk-factors\"><span class=\"title\">Cold vs. flu risk factors<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone is at risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children are more susceptible to cold viruses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone is at risk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with chronic medical conditions might be more at risk of developing serious flu complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"prevention\"><b>Prevention<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-26\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn\u2019t a cure or a vaccination that will prevent you from getting a cold, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thoroughly wash your hands using soap and water frequently. After applying soap, rub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds under warm water.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid close contact with people who have a cold.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are around people who have a cold, try not to touch your face, especially your nose and eyes, until you thoroughly wash your hands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to prevent spreading a cold to other people is to stay home if you are sick. If you must go out, avoid close contact with other people and refrain from hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. Actively work to reduce sharing cold germs with others by coughing or sneezing into facial tissue, and then promptly disposing of the tissue. After coughing or sneezing, thoroughly wash your hands to avoid touching objects and leaving germs behind. Rhinoviruses can survive up to three hours on surfaces, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Use disinfectants that kill viruses to clean surfaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heading-27\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to prevent getting influenza is to get a yearly flu vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccine varies from year to year based, in part, on how well-matched it is to the current flu that is circulating. However, it generally reduces your chance of getting the flu by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40% to 60%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to the CDC. Even though it does not eliminate the possibility of getting the flu, it prevents millions of flu cases each year. Getting the flu vaccine can also reduce the severity of the flu if you do get it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with others who are sick can also reduce your risk of getting the flu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-prevent-a-cold-vs-the-flu\"><span class=\"title\">How to prevent a cold vs. the flu<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washing hands often or using hand sanitizer if soap and water aren\u2019t available<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding close contact with people who have colds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not touching your face when around people who have a cold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sanitizing surfaces with a disinfectant that kills viruses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting the seasonal flu shot and encouraging everyone in your household to get a flu shot<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washing hands often or using hand sanitizer if soap and water aren\u2019t available<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding close contact with people who have a cold or the flu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not touching your face when around people who have a cold or the flu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sanitizing surfaces with a disinfectant that kills viruses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Flu shot facts and benefits\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/T_OVyM7YLgo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-doctor\"><b>When to see a doctor<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"heading-30\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the time, you don\u2019t need medical care for a cold. OTC medicines can reduce symptoms and make you more comfortable. However, there are times when you should see your healthcare provider for a cold:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For symptoms that don\u2019t go away within 10 days<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you develop new symptoms or a fever develops<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For infants under three months old\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"heading-31\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flu<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best time to see your healthcare provider for the flu is before you even have a chance of getting it: by making an appointment to get your annual flu shot. If you do get the flu, you should contact your healthcare provider within the first day or two. There are antiviral medications that can help reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms, but they work best if taken within the first few days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also contact your healthcare provider if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have trouble breathing, experience chest pain, or are coughing up yellow, green, or bloody phlegm, according to the American Lung Association.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cough doesn\u2019t go away or is preventing you from sleeping.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have a high risk of complications from the flu. This risk group includes children younger than 5 years old, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are experiencing severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe flu symptoms in children include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High fever (above 104\u00b0F)<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In children less than 12 weeks of age, any fever<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever that lasts for more than three days<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ribs pulling in with each breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bluish skin color (lips, face)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earache or ear drainage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty waking up, not alert<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms that improve and then return with a fever or worse cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting or stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe flu symptoms in adults include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A high, prolonged fever (above 102\u00b0F) with fatigue and body aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms that last longer than 10 days or get worse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing or shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain or pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion or disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe or persistent vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe sinus pain in your face or forehead<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen glands in the neck or jaw<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-about-colds-and-the-flu\"><b>Frequently asked questions about colds and the flu<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"how-can-you-tell-the-difference-between-a-cold-and-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because they share many of the same symptoms, it can be challenging to know the difference between these respiratory infections based on symptoms alone. First, there is a laboratory test to see if you have the flu, which is most accurate within a couple of days of symptoms first appearing. Cold symptoms are generally milder and more gradual, lasting seven to 10 days. Flu symptoms are more severe and sudden, lasting one to two weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-the-flu-versus-the-symptoms-of-a-cold\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the symptoms of the flu versus the symptoms of a cold?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main differences between the cold and the flu are that you are more likely to have a fever and chills with the flu, and symptoms are more severe than with the common cold. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fever and chills are common with the flu but not with a cold.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing is expected with a cold but is not usually associated with the flu.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny and stuffy noses are more common with a cold than with the flu.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches are common with the flu but are not necessarily associated with a cold.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"what-is-more-dangerous-the-coronavirus-disease-or-seasonal-influenza\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is more dangerous: the coronavirus disease or seasonal influenza?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The severity of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19 and influenza symptoms<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are both considered mild to severe, and similar groups are considered \u201chigh risk\u201d for severe symptoms and complications with both illnesses. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/about\/flu-vs-covid19.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19 can cause more severe illness than the flu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does in some people, however. It also remains contagious longer than the flu and may take longer to show symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-it-possible-to-have-the-flu-and-covid-19-at-the-same-time\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can have both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, according to the CDC, although it is uncommon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hmpv-vs-covid-19-vs-the-flu-how-can-you-tell-the-difference\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HMPV vs. COVID-19 vs. the flu: How can you tell the difference?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HMPV is just one of the viruses that causes the common cold, and it typically only causes mild cold symptoms, but some people can get very sick. HMPV, COVID-19, and the flu share symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, fever, and cough. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/human-metapneumovirus-(hmpv)-infection\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like there is for COVID-19 and the flu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-rsv-vs-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the symptoms of RSV vs. the flu?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus most common in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/health-a-z\/rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus\/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAp4O8BhAkEiwAqv2UqGgsNr_mBparXvhlWLcbD465Nmajo7wvAhT3nIZwPnSJonjY5SYfBxoCG_UQAvD_BwE\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">older adults with weakened immune systems and children under 5 years old<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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