Waking up with a sore throat, a runny nose, and a terrible cough during flu season would leave you to believe that you indeed have the flu.  Even though you may have flu-like symptoms, you could be over-analyzing your symptoms.

Here are a few ways to determine whether you have the flu or just a regular cold.

1. You wake up sick: Most flu symptoms common on suddenly, while with a cold, you’ll often times feel a cold coming on over a few days.
2. You feel tired: Can’t get out of bed and it’s not because you’re dreading the work day ahead? Having a cold can wear you out, but if you’re experiencing severe fatigue, along with chills and body ache, you could potentially have the flu.
3. You have a fever: A cold may give you a mild fever, while the flu might rise to a high fever.
4. You’re experiencing body aches: Having the flu can make your entire body ache, which a cold can just make your nose and throat hurt.
5. You’ve been sick for longer than a week: It may seem like a lifetime when you have one, but a regular cold usually only lasts for a few days. Flu-like symptoms last for longer than a week, which should be tested at an urgent care center.

If your cough has last longer than a week, or if you’re concerned that you picked up the flu from a family member or coworker, be sure to visit AFC Urgent Care Stamford.  We recommend you visit us if you have symptoms such as:

• A high fever
• A cough that produces blood or mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen glands
• Severe fatigue

For more information about flu treatment at our urgent care center, please be sure to contact us at 203-969-2000.