Flu or Cold Symptoms?

You feel unwell. You’re coughing, your throat is sore, your nose is runny, you have a headache.

Do you have the cold or the flu?

This is important, because if you have the cold, it’ll pass. If you have the flu, and you don’t do anything about it, there’s that nasty possibility of that thing Doctors call “Progression of Disease” happening. i.e. Your “flu” might result in a Pneumonia, hospitalization, or worse.

So, what are the symptoms of the common cold?

A sore throat, which usually goes away after a day or two.
A runny nose alternating with nasal congestion and a cough by day 4 to 5.
For adults, occasionally a fever develops. For Children, fevers commonly occur.

How long do cold symptoms last?

One week. You will be contagious from Day One to Day Three. So stay at home and rest.

If, however, your symptoms do not subside by a week, you might possibly have a bacterial infection. i.e. You might need antibiotics, an allergy or a sinus infection.

What then, are the symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms mimic the cold but are more aggressive and severe. The onset is usually more rapid and the experience intense. In severe cases, patients with the flu will experience nausea, vomitting and diarrhoea.

To Differentiate between the Two …

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever	Occasional, if present, usually mild.	Common, and lasts 3 to 4 days.
Headache	Occasional.	Common.
General Aches, Pains	Slight.	Severe.
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes.	Common, and can last 2 to 3 weeks.
Extreme Exhaustion	Never.	Commonly experienced with onset of illness.
Stuffy Nose	Common.	Sometimes.
Sneezing	Usual.	Sometimes.
Sore Throat	Common.	Sometimes.
Chest Discomfort, Cough	Mild to moderate; hacking cough.	Common; can become severe.
Complications	Sinus congestion; middle ear infection.	Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia; can be life-threatening.
Prevention	Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold.	Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms; get the annual flu vaccine.
Treatment	Decongestants; pain reliever/fever reducer medicines. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.	Medical Review recommended.

When do I call the doctor with flu or cold symptoms?

Call your doctor if you have any of the following severe symptoms:

• Persistent fever lasting more than three days
• Painful swallowing secondary to a sore throat
• Persistent coughing
• Persistent congestion and headaches

In some cases, you may need immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Severe chest pain
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Persistent vomiting

In children, additional signs of an emergency are:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Lethargy and failure to interact normally
• Extreme irritability or distress
• Symptoms that were improving and then suddenly worsen
• Fever with a rash

How to prevent flu or cold symptoms?

• Handwashing. 
• Rub the hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
• In addition, get a flu vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza. 
• Antiviral medicine may also help prevent flu if you have been exposed to someone with flu symptoms.

About The Author

Dr Lau Tzun Hon is a resident housecall doctor at CMY Medical. He received his MBBS (Hons) from Sydney University in 2001 and has served in the both private and government restructured hospitals prior to commencing his practice in Home Care.

While in the Government Restructured Hospitals, Dr Lau served primarily in the Department of Accident & Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesia. Upon entering the Private sector, Dr Lau worked in both public and private A&E departments before venturing into Home Care.

Over the years, he has developed a strong passion to maintain and  enhance the quality of life for patients under his care.  A strong believer that healthcare does not need to be financially straining, Dr Lau often delivers more value beyond expectations.