During flu season, it’s easy to think that every cough, sneeze, and achy muscle, is the onset of the flu. It’s also easy to overlook flu symptoms and write them off as a cold when you’ve been diligent to keep yourself healthy by eating well, getting your flu shot, and keeping your hands and home clean. To help you figure out what you’re facing, here are a few key differences between the two!
| Colds | Influenza |
| Onset gradually over a day or two | Onset quickly over hours |
| Do not usually include a fever | Usually brings on a fever |
| Do not usually include a headache | Usually brings on a headache |
| Do not usually include chills | Usually brings on chills |
With those being key differences, there are also undeniable similarities! While the flu’s symptoms are usually more intense, both colds and the flu can bring on coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat and body aches.
So how can you distinguish the two illnesses confidently when you aren’t feeling well? The short answer is to come see us at MEDcare to be evaluated by our providers with a flu test! Our centers are open 8:00am to 8:00pm every day of the week- no appointment necessary! You can also use our Save My Spot option here. If you need us, our associates look forward to helping you and your family Get Better. Faster!
