Cold and Flu Symptoms
A cold and the flu are both common respiratory illnesses, but they have different symptoms. A cold is usually milder than the flu and goes away on its own within a week or two. The flu can be more serious, especially for young children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of a Cold
Symptoms of a cold usually start within a few days of exposure to a virus. They can include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
Symptoms of the Flu
Symptoms of the flu usually start suddenly and can be more severe than a cold. They can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
Urgent Care for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Urgent care centers can provide care for cold and flu symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see an urgent care center:
- Severe fever
- Severe cough
- Shortness of breath
- Painful urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe headache
- Rash
Urgent care centers can also provide medications to help relieve the symptoms of a cold or the flu. They can also provide referrals to a primary care doctor if you need further care.
How to Prevent Cold and Flu
There are several things you can do to prevent cold and flu:
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.