Cold and Flu SymptomsColds and flu are both highly contagious and, in the initial stages, a bad cold and a mild case of the flu might seem alike. However, unlike a cold, flu is a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications. Check this table to compare flu and cold symptoms. Symptoms | Cold | Flu | | Fever | Rare in adults and older children, but can be as high as 102 degrees F (39 degrees C) in infants and small children | Usually 102 degrees F (39 degrees C), but can go up to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) and usually lasts 3 to 4 days | | Headache | Rare | Sudden onset and can be severe | | General muscle aches and pains | Sometimes, mild | Usual, and often severe | | Tiredness and weakness | Sometimes, mild | Often extreme, and can last two or more weeks | | Extreme exhaustion or fatigue | Rare | Very common, sudden onset and can be severe | | Runny, stuffy nose | Common | Common | | Sneezing | Common | Sometimes | | Sore throat | Common | Common | | Cough | Sometimes, mild hacking cough | Usual, and can become severe | | Complication | Can lead to sinus congestion or earache | Can lead to pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, can worsen other chronic health problems |
Ten Tips for Dodging the Flu- Wash your hands.
Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. - Don't cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands.
Use a tissue, then throw it away immediately. If you do have to cough or sneeze into your hands, wash them immediately. - Don't touch your face.
Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose or mouth. Touching their faces is the main way children catch colds and a key way that they pass colds on to their parents. - Drink plenty of fluids.
A typical, healthy adult needs 8 glasses of fluids (eight ounces each) a day. - Get fresh air.
A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially in cold weather when central heating dries you out and makes your body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. - Do aerobic exercise regularly.
These exercises help increase the body's natural virus-killing cells. A good example of an aerobic exercise is walking. - Don't smoke.
Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe colds and more respiratory illnesses. Even being around smoke profoundly affects the immune system. - Eat well.
A balanced diet including foods rich in zinc and Vitamin C will help to keep your immune system strong. - Limit alcohol consumption.
Heavy drinkers are more prone to initial infections as well as secondary complications. - Avoid crowds.
If there is a known flu outbreak, it is best to avoid crowded places.
Cold and Flu TreatmentIf you do come down with the flu, your Careworks healthcare provider can prescribe a regiment of anti-viral medicine that may speed your recovery and reduce symptom severity, especially if used within 48 hours. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Seasonal Influenza Info. Milk, Bread, and Meds - WBRE TV video about the increase in patients visiting the Careworks clinic inside Weis Market when there is an impending snow storm. Other Careworks services | 
