How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

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When we get sick, and really feel awful, it is one of the worst feelings in the world.  All most people want to do is crawl under the covers and sleep!  However, it is important to recognize the difference between a cold and something more serious.

So when is it time to visit us at ER-DOX?

First, you should note that a cold and the flu are both respiratory ailments.  However, they are caused by different viruses.  The flu is much more serious than a common cold.  Although a common cold can make a person feel downright awful, it is generally much less dangerous than the flu.

Symptoms of both the common cold and the flu can be very similar and sometimes people aren’t sure from which ailment they are suffering.  Those symptoms can include fever, fatigue, body aches, and dry cough.  So how does one know when it’s the flu?

When a person is suffering from the flu, all of those symptoms are much more intense.  Cold sufferers are more likely to suffer as well from stuffy, runny noses than are flu sufferers.  Also, the flu is more likely to bring on more serious health issues such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.  The flu is also more likely to end up with a hospitalization.

Unsure?  Please come see ER-DOX at any of our four convenient locations.  We can have you checked out and back home beneath the covers within minutes.  The only surefire way of knowing is by running some simple tests to determine if you do indeed have the flu.  Certainly if the old adage “feels like I’ve been hit by a truck” applies to you . . . it’s time to see a professional!  It may end up being a severe cold, but better to be safe than sorry!