As the seasons change, so do the health concerns that come with them. Summer brings sunburns and insect bites, while fall ushers in cooler, rainy weather and the return of cold and flu season.
The common cold and influenza (the flu) are two of the most common viral infections and respiratory illnesses affecting the nose, throat, and airways. These viruses are spread quickly when droplets from an infected person are released into the air following a cough or sneeze. The droplets then land on other people and contaminate surfaces, spreading quickly and easily.
The common cold alone accounts for more than a billion cases in the U.S. each year, while an estimated 9 to 51 million people experience the flu annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So, how can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu? Understanding their symptoms, knowing when to seek medical care, and taking steps to prevent illness can help you and your family stay healthy throughout the fall season.
If you do become sick, the team of medical professionals at AFC Urgent Care Oregon City will determine the best treatment plan for you.
The Common Cold versus the Flu
Although the cold and flu cause some similar symptoms, they are very different.
The common cold is a minor viral infection affecting the nose and throat of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are highly contagious and can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The respiratory droplets can be inhaled or transferred to surfaces. If you touch one of those surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus enter your body.
Adults typically experience 2 to 3 colds each year, with most occurring between September and May. Children are even more susceptible and may experience 6 to 10 colds annually. While a cold generally lasts about 7 to 10 days, symptoms can persist longer in children, older adults, or people in poor health.
The flu, also known as influenza, is also highly contagious but can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu activity is generally highest from late fall through early spring, particularly between October and March.
Unlike the common cold, influenza can result in more serious illness. In some cases, it can cause complications or require hospitalization. Younger children and people with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions may have a greater risk of experiencing complications.
Recognizing Common Cold Symptoms
Cold symptoms generally begin 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. While symptoms are usually mild, they can still make it difficult to get through your normal routine.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Sinus congestion
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Chest congestion and cough
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Sore throat
- No or very low fever (colds are less likely to cause a fever)
When to Seek Treatment for a Cold
Most adults can recover from a cold without medical treatment. There is currently no treatment or vaccine that cures or prevents the common cold itself.
If your cold symptoms are persistent or becoming more severe, the medical providers at AFC Urgent Care Oregon City can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate care. When necessary, our providers can prescribe medication to help manage certain cold symptoms. Over-the-counter medications may also help relieve symptoms such as congestion, headaches, and fever when present.
Recognizing the Flu
Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can be much more intense. According to the American Lung Association, you can also spread the flu virus before you realize you’re sick.
Flu symptoms typically last about 5 to 7 days, although fatigue may continue for several weeks after other symptoms have improved. The sudden onset and intensity of flu symptoms can leave you feeling significantly worse than you might with an ordinary cold.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or Vomiting (usually in children)
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Cough
- Body Aches
- Runny Nose
- Fever
- Chills
When to Seek Treatment for the Flu
If you experience flu symptoms, stay at home, get rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Once your fever has come down, avoid coming into contact with other people for at least 24 hours, especially those who are at high risk of contracting viruses, including infants and the elderly. It will take time for your immune system to completely recover, so be sure to eat healthy, drink fluids, rest, and avoid strenuous activities.
Schedule an appointment or walk-in at AFC Urgent Care Oregon City if you experience a high fever that does not go down, you cannot keep fluids down, or your symptoms last longer than 3 days. We can outline a treatment plan, call in prescriptions, and offer additional recommendations to help you recover faster.
Ways to Prevent Colds and the Flu
While it’s impossible to eliminate your risk of getting sick completely, you can take several practical steps to significantly lower your risk of getting sick and help prevent cold and flu viruses from spreading, including these simple habits:
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water frequently and for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with large groups of people and those who may be sick.
- Wipe down common areas or surfaces with disinfectants regularly.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues immediately.
Protect Yourself With a Flu Vaccine
For the flu, there is one additional step you can take to protect yourself: get your annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is updated each year to provide protection against the flu strains expected to circulate during the upcoming season.
Studies show that the flu vaccine can reduce your risk of infection by 40-60% and may also lower your chances of experiencing serious flu complications or hospitalization.
We recommend that everyone get the flu vaccine if they are able. Because the effectiveness of a flu vaccine lasts about 6 months, schedule your flu vaccine every September or October. It can also take up to 2 weeks for your immune system to develop the antibodies needed to fight the flu, so getting vaccinated before flu season starts is important.
Read more about the flu vaccine and learn how vaccination can help protect you this fall.
Cold and Flu Care at AFC Urgent Care
Even if you follow all recommended steps to avoid the cold and flu, you can still get sick. If you begin feeling under the weather, AFC Urgent Care Oregon City is here to help.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week and accepts both walk-ins and appointments. We can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the appropriate next steps to help you get back to feeling your best.
Schedule your appointment at AFC Urgent Care Oregon City, the most convenient way to have your symptoms evaluated when you need medical care.