COLD & FLU TREATMENT

The flu often develops suddenly. Common warning signs include a runny nose and a sore throat. The common cold and the flu share many common symptoms. But while a cold develops more slowly, the flu appears quickly and makes you feel worse.

Signs of the flu include:

• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever over 100.4 degrees

For some people, the flu can bring the risk of more severe complications. Pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and asthma attacks are common complications among higher-risk children and adults.

The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting a flu shot every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta recommend that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot at the beginning of every flu season, but it’s never too late to get the vaccine.

During the fall and winter months, you can take precautions to prevent spreading the virus. Wash your hands regularly and help children wash their hands. Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough helps contain germs.

If you come down with the flu, avoid public places to help prevent spreading the virus to others.

For prompt and convenient flu treatment, visit Temecula 24 Hour Urgent Care. Walk-in or book an appointment online 24/7.

Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. Seasonal coronaviruses should not be confused with SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are typically more intense and begin more abruptly. Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people who have flu. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have serious associated complications.

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests can tell if a person is sick with flu.

The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.