Cold And Flu Specialist

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The common cold is a respiratory illness that impedes breathing. It’s caused by a virus that is easily transmitted from one person to the next. Thankfully, the illness is highly treatable and often doesn’t require professional care. 

The flu comes from various strains of the influenza virus. It shares many symptoms with the common cold, although flu symptoms are often more severe and tend to appear more abruptly.

At Integrative Urgent Care, the team diagnoses and treats both the common cold and the flu. If your symptoms are long-lasting or severe, don’t hesitate to make an appointment or walk in for immediate care.

What are some common cold and flu symptoms?

Cold and flu symptoms are mostly the same. You might have a cold or the flu if you experience:

• A stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Chest pressure or discomfort
• Sneezing
• Weakness or fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headaches

Cold symptoms typically only last for a few days, but flu symptoms can linger. Left untreated, the flu can lead to other health complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. You may need lab testing for bronchitis, strep throat, or pneumonia to reach an accurate diagnosis. 

What can I do to prevent the flu?

You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of contracting influenza. Embracing good hand hygiene is important and includes washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day,  especially before you eat and after using the restroom. 

Avoiding close contact with others can also reduce your risk. The flu is spread through contact with droplets from an infected person, which are released through coughing, sneezing, or even speaking and laughing. You can also become infected by touching a surface where the virus is present. 

Coming in for an annual flu vaccination is a great way to protect against infection. Each year a flu vaccine is developed to protect against the most common strains of influenza. Decades of research have supported flu vaccines as safe and effective.  

What are my treatment options for cold and flu?

In many cases, your treatment plan centers on self-care and over-the-counter medications. Your plan might also include:

• Analgesics
• Antihistamines
• Nasal steroids
• Decongestants
• Cough suppressants
• Vitamins and supplements

Antibiotics won’t treat cold and flu because they are not bacterial illnesses. Your practitioner advises you on how to alleviate symptoms. 

For more information about cold and flu diagnosis, treatment, or prevention, call Integrative Urgent Care, or book an appointment online today.