Do You Have A Cold Or The Flu?

Headaches And Body Aches

Headaches are generally rare in cases of the common cold and tend to occur much more frequently with the flu. While body aches could occur with the common cold or the flu, they tend to be much more severe in cases of the flu. Patients who experience body aches with a cold often have only a slight ache, and body aches that occur with the flu can be so severe that it hurts to move. To treat headaches and body aches from either type of viral infection, doctors recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen may be beneficial, and some physicians recommend alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen for extra relief.

Staying hydrated can also help with headache relief, and patients may want to track their fluid intake with a log or with an online app. Water, broth, juice, and electrolyte drinks are typically suggested as sources of hydration during an illness. Patients might be able to ease body aches with massage, and it could help to apply a heating pad to the affected area. Warm showers and baths can soothe aches, and patients may want to use a topical pain reliever as well. If body aches continue for more than three days, the patient should make an appointment with their doctor. Emergency medical care is necessary if body aches occur together with shortness of breath, fever, or vomiting.

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between the common cold and the flu now.

Fever And Chills

Fever is generally associated with the flu, and it rarely occurs with a cold. While chills are considered fairly common with flu, they are uncommon in patients who have a cold. When fever and chills are mild, they can be treated safely at home. Patients who have chills and a fever of 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit or less are advised to rest as much as possible and to drink plenty of fluids. The patient should be covered with a light sheet or blanket; bundling up in heavy blankets could cause their temperature to rise. Sponging the body with lukewarm water could help reduce a fever, and it may feel soothing to take a cool shower. However, patients should not use fans or run the air conditioning as doing so could make chills worse. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer like acetaminophen can help reduce body temperature. Adults should see a physician if they have a fever with chills that lasts more than two days. They should also be evaluated if the fever and chills are accompanied by severe coughing, shortness of breath, confusion, or abdominal pain.

Discover additional symptoms of the common cold and flu and how they differ now.