Oftentimes the symptoms can resemble one another. Colds are usually less severe than the flu, but it is still difficult to tell. A cold often starts with a sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, then develops into a runny nose, followed by post nasal drip, then a cough that can last up to 2 weeks. You may not have a fever, or you may run a low grade fever, perhaps just 1 or 2 degrees higher than usual. The flu usually starts suddenly and then feels like a train wreck. The fever that develops with a flu is usually much higher than with a cold, the muscle aches more severe. Oftentimes people cannot get out of bed because they feel so sick. Other symptoms can include congestion, a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing. The flu can progress to a serious illness that may even require hospitalization.
Over 100 different viruses can cause colds. There aren't as many viruses that cause the flu. Antibiotics don't work against viruses. All you can do to feel better is treat your symptoms while your body fights off the virus. As the doctor always says, get plenty of rest! One or two missed days from work can prevent many more days missed if complications develop. Also, you will be sparing your co-workers from getting sick, so in a way you are doing them a favor. If you smoke, now would be a good time to stop. Also, get the people around you to quit as well because your symptoms will get even worse. If you have a sore throat, take throat lozenges, gargle with salt water, and use a saline nasal solution to loosen mucus.
The common cold can be one of many viruses, so presently there is no cure. It may sound mundane, but rest and fluids are the best way to fight the common cold. However, there are many over-the-counter remedies that you can take to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. Examples of these are acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to the possibility of Reye’s Syndrome. Antitussives, for example, dextromethorphan, tell your brain to stop coughing. If you are coughing up mucus, you should take an expectorant such as guaifenesin to help thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. When the sniffles begin, or you get that intense “sinus headache”, oral decongestants such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine reduce congestion.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment to be seen: high fever, prolonged sore throat or hoarseness, dehydration, change in mental status, persistent nausea or vomiting, a cold that lasts longer than 10 days, extreme pressure in the sinuses, trouble breathing, feeling faint, or persistent cough with sputum production.