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Two different viruses, similar symptoms
- Cause
- Viruses
- Antibiotics
- Don't help colds or flu
- Most colds
- Last less than a week
- Flu antivirals
- Work best within 2 days of symptoms
Both the common cold and influenza (flu) are viral infections of the nose, throat and airways. Colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses and stay mild. Flu is caused by influenza viruses and can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and hospital stays, especially in people at higher risk.
COVID-19 can look like either one, so a home test can be helpful when symptoms start.
Because these are viruses, antibiotics don't help. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and, for flu, sometimes on antiviral medicine.
Is it a cold or the flu?
Flu usually arrives fast and hits the whole body. Colds build slowly and stay mostly in the nose and throat.
| Feature | Common cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden |
| Fever | Rare | Common, sometimes high |
| Aches | Slight | Common, often severe |
| Tiredness | Mild | Can be extreme |
| Stuffy nose and sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Common, can be severe |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
NoteCOVID-19 can cause any of these symptoms. Your provider may suggest testing for flu or COVID-19 to guide treatment.
Symptoms to watch
Typical cold symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Mild cough
- Feeling a little run down
Typical flu symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Muscle and body aches
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Cough
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
Get checked early if you're at higher risk
Contact a provider as soon as flu symptoms start if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Have asthma, lung disease, heart disease or diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system
How colds and flu are diagnosed
Most colds and many cases of flu are diagnosed from symptoms alone, especially when flu is circulating in your community. Your provider will ask when symptoms started, how severe they are and whether you have any conditions that raise your risk.
A flu or COVID-19 test can confirm what you have and help decide whether antiviral medicine makes sense. Home COVID-19 tests are widely available, and pharmacies and clinics offer flu testing.
Treating colds and flu
There's no cure for the common cold. Symptom relief helps you feel better while your body clears it.
For flu, antiviral medicine can shorten illness by about a day and lower the risk of complications. It is recommended for people who are very sick or at higher risk. Healthy people with mild flu may be offered it, but most recover without it.
Easing symptoms at home
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches, if they're safe for you
- Saline nasal spray or a humidifier for congestion
- Honey for cough in adults and children over 1
- Check labels so you don't double up on acetaminophen in combination cold medicines
- Ask a provider before giving cough and cold medicines to young children
Is an online cold and flu visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have flu symptoms that started in the last day or two
- Are at higher risk and want to know about antivirals
- Want guidance on symptom relief or testing
- Have a positive flu test and want treatment reviewed
Get in-person care if you:
- Have trouble breathing or chest pain
- Started to improve, then got worse with fever or cough
- Can't keep fluids down
- Are seeking care for an infant or young child
How PulseCareMD can help with cold and flu
When you feel too sick to sit in a waiting room, a PulseCareMD visit lets a licensed provider review your symptoms from home. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Tell us how you feel
Answer a short questionnaire about your symptoms, when they started and your health history.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider decides whether antiviral medicine is worth it for you. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get your care plan
Relief advice or a treatment plan if appropriate.
Protecting yourself and others
A few habits go a long way during cold and flu season:
Get a yearly flu vaccine
Recommended for nearly everyone 6 months and older.
Wash your hands
Soap and water for 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer when you're out.
Stay home when sick
Until your symptoms are improving and you've been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Use a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Emergency warning signs
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion or trouble waking up
- Seizures, or not urinating
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
- Fever or cough that improves, then comes back worse