Cold and flu share many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to know which one has. Both are caused by viruses and can make a person feel tired and exhausted. Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms.
| Flu and Cold Comparisons | ||
|---|---|---|
| SYMPTOMS | FLU | COLD |
| Cough | Yes | Yes |
|
Fever & Chills (fevers > = 101 ° F or 38.3 ° C) | Yes | No |
| Headache | Yes | Mild |
| Malaise (Fatigue) | Yes | Mild |
| Muscle Aches | Yes | Yes |
| Runny Nose | Yes | Yes |
| Sneezing | No | Yes |
| Sore Throat | Yes | Yes |
| Weakness | Yes | Sometimes Mild |
Treatment Includes:
- Rest and lots of fluids
- For a fever, muscle aches and headache -- take two acetaminophen tablets every four hours as needed or ibuprofen 200 mg. -- two tablets every six hours, with food.
- For a cough -- cough syrup with an expectorant may help lessen the cough, along with lozenges and plenty of fluids.
- For a sore throat -- saltwater gargles (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz warm water) and throat lozenges to soothe the throat.
- For nasal congestion -- take an over the counter decongestant such as pseudoephedrine but not any type of antihistamine. Anti-histamines will cause drowsiness and have a drying effect on the mucus.
- Antibiotics are of no value in treating colds, coughs, and sore throats caused by viruses. Flu symptoms can be treated with anti-viral medication if symptoms are severe
Call Student Health Service for:
- Fever over 102 degrees F
- Coughing yellow, green, brown or blood tinged sputum
- Earaches, face pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath
- Cold symptoms not improving after 10 days
