Cold vs. Flu: How to Tell the Difference

Every year, millions of Americans are infected with flu and cold viruses, and while both infections involve your respiratory system, they’re very different infections. Knowing which one you’re suffering from is the key to getting the right care — and preventing potentially deadly complications. 

At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy, our team offers cutting-edge treatment for all sorts of respiratory infections, including cold and flu infections. Here, we break down the key differences between the two, so you know when it’s time to call our team for help. 

Symptom onset

For most people, cold symptoms develop gradually, typically beginning with mild symptoms like a scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, or sneezing. Symptoms often build slowly and remain relatively mild.

On the other hand, onset of a flu infection tends to happen much more rapidly, and symptoms tend to build more quickly, too. While a cold might be mistaken for allergies, at least initially, with flu, there’s no mistaking that you’re truly sick.

Severity of symptoms

Cold symptoms also tend to be more mild. Yes, you feel uncomfortable — but overall, your symptoms also feel manageable. In general, you’ll probably be able to maintain most of your regular activities with a few adjustments to keep your symptoms under control.

Flu infections involve more intense symptoms that take a significant toll on your ability to stay on track with regular daily activities. Fever, chills, body aches, and extreme fatigue are common, making it difficult to even get out of bed, let alone go to work or do household chores.

Fever and body aches

Cold infections don’t always cause a fever, but when they do, the fever is generally mild and short-lived. Most colds don’t cause body aches or chills, either.

With the flu, fever is more common and often high, and body aches and muscle pain can be significant. These symptoms occur as your immune system ramps up its fight against infection, and since flu infections tend to be more severe, it makes sense immune-related symptoms will be more intense, too.

Cough and chest discomfort

Because they involve your respiratory symptoms, colds can definitely cause coughing. Usually, though, cold-related coughing is mild and associated with relatively mild chest congestion and post-nasal drip.

Flu-related coughs are typically more severe and persistent. You may develop chest discomfort or tightness, and persistent coughing can lead to abdominal aches and pains, too. 

Fatigue level

Colds commonly cause mild tiredness, but in most cases, your energy level is relatively stable. Yes, you’ll definitely benefit from more rest, but in most cases, fatigue doesn’t interfere much with regular activities. 

By contrast, the flu often causes pronounced fatigue and weakness. Feelings of exhaustion can last for days or even weeks after other symptoms improve. Rest is especially important during this time to give your body the added resources it needs to fully recover.

The right care for the right ailment

Most colds can be managed at home with plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies, with symptoms gradually improving over the course of a week to 10 days. 

But the flu is different. While some flu infections will clear on their own, others can linger or worsen, increasing your risk of pneumonia and other complications. 

That’s especially true for seniors, very young children, anyone with a weakened immune system, or anyone with underlying lung conditions (i.e., asthma, COPD).

Don’t leave your health to chance

If you suspect you have the flu — or if you have a cold that lingers — scheduling an evaluation with our team can help you feel better as quickly as possible and avoid more serious problems. 

To make it easy, we offer walk-in visits as well as telemedicine appointments, so you can get the care you need, when and where you need it. 

Don’t leave your health to chance. To get the care you need this cold and flu season, request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.