A Cold or The Flu?

You’re achy, sneezing and complaining about a sore throat. Is it a cold or the flu? Well, there’s no way to know for sure, but Adam Benfield, Certified Physician Assistant at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – South Hickory offers these guidelines to help you differentiate between a cold and the flu:

Symptoms

• Cough/Chest Discomfort

• Extreme Exhaustion

• Fever

• General Aches & Pains

• Headache

• Sneezing

• Sore Throat

• Stuffy Nose

• Weakness/Fatigue

Cold

• Mild to moderate

• Not a typical symptom

• Not a typical symptom

• Mild to moderate

• Rare

• Common

• Common

• Common

• Mild

Flu

• Common & can become severe

• Happens early & is prominent

• 102-104°F, lasting 3-4 days

• Typical & can be severe

• Prominent

• Not a typical symptom

• Not a typical symptom

• Not a typical symptom

• Prominent & lasts 2-3 weeks

“Although colds and the flu seem to be more common in colder weather, you don’t actually develop them as a reaction to the colder temperatures,” says Adam. “People tend to spend more time indoors with others during the winter months, which increases the chances of a virus spreading. This is why we stress the importance of protecting yourself and others by getting the preventive vaccinations, like the flu shot and to always practice proper hygiene, like washing your hands.”

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and think you may have a cold or the flu, your primary care provider who can test you for the flu. If you are in need of a primary care provider, feel free to make an appointment with Adam Benfield at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – South Hickorylocated at 1985 Startown Road Suite 102 call 828.327.4775.