When you start to feel unwell with a stuffy nose, sore throat, or body aches, it can be hard to tell whether you’re dealing with a common cold or something more serious, like the flu. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, but they differ in intensity, duration, and potential complications. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right treatment and know when to seek medical care.
If you’re feeling under the weather, understanding when to seek medical attention for your symptoms is essential. Early intervention will ensure you treat your symptoms before they become severe, and can stay comfortable while you recover. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic offers convenient illness diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis in Waltham, MA. Simply walk in for rapid same-day care, or save your spot in advance below.
Understanding the Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms
The common cold and the flu (influenza) are both caused by viruses, but they affect the body differently. Colds usually come on gradually and produce mild symptoms. In contrast, the flu tends to strike suddenly and can leave you feeling drained for days or even weeks. Colds can cause mild symptoms including a sore throat, congestion, fatigue, coughing and a runny nose. These symptoms typically go away on their own after a few days. The flu, on the other hand, causes similar symptoms to a cold but can also lead to severe symptoms like a fever, body aches, chills, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Can a Cold Cause a Fever?
A mild fever may occur with a cold, but it’s rare for body temperature to rise above 100°F (37.7°C). Most people with a cold can continue their daily activities, even if they feel a bit sluggish. However, if your fever spikes to 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, it’s more likely you’re dealing with the flu. Persistent fever accompanied by chills or sweats signals that your body is fighting a stronger viral infection.
Treatment Options for Colds and the Flu
If your main symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, and a mild sore throat, you’re likely battling a cold. Colds typically stay localized to the upper respiratory tract: your nose, throat, and sinuses. Symptoms tend to peak within two to three days and improve within a week. While uncomfortable, a cold usually doesn’t cause severe fatigue or body-wide pain like the flu does. If you’re feeling sick, monitor your symptoms closely. Both colds and the flu can resolve on their own at home, however, severe symptoms like a high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or dehydration, indicate that you may need treatment by a medical professional for your symptoms.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham for Same-Day Illness Treatment
If you’re feeling sick, seeking medical care can help you accurately diagnose your symptoms so that you can treat them early, before they become severe. Delaying care can result in complications like secondary infections. Your medical provider will evaluate your condition, provide treatment, and rule out serious infections. Early care not only speeds up recovery but also prevents spreading the illness to others.
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic makes it easy to receive prompt care for your symptoms. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, and don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk in for same-day care. We work with most medical insurance plans, and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. To learn more, walk into the clinic today or give us a call at (781) 894-6900.
