Cold or Flu: Understanding the Key Differences

Picture this: you’re battling a bug. You feel rotten, but you don’t know whether you’ve got a common cold or the flu. They’re both contagious respiratory bugs, but they’re actually as different as night or day! Not only are they caused by different viruses but they have different symptoms too. Let’s take a look at how to tell the two apart and the best way to treat them so you can bounce back fast.

Cold vs Flu Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a common cold?

The main symptoms of a common cold generally affect the upper respiratory tract. Things like, blocked/stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing. These symptoms come on pretty gradually; they might start off with a sore throat and then progress to other symptoms, so you can actually feel it coming on! It often feels like impending doom, but there’s things you can do to help nip it in the bud. More on this soon.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The main symptoms of the flu come on abruptly, so you generally get no warning. These symptoms are also more severe and include things like fevers and chills, muscle aches and pains and chest discomfort. So, the flu is not just a light tap on the shoulder; it's like a full-body takeover you never saw coming.

Cold vs Flu Treatments

Treatment for the common cold

The treatment for the common cold primarily involves treating the symptoms associated with it. These include: 

Symptoms & Treatments:

• Blocked/stuffy nose: Medicated nasal sprays, Saline nasal sprays
• Sore throat: Gargles, Lozenges and sprays 
• Sneezing: Antihistamine tablets 

Treatment for the flu

There are a couple of ways to manage flu symptoms, such as: 

Symptoms & Treatments:

• Fevers/Chills: Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
• Aches:  Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
• Pains:  Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
• Headaches: Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
• Cough: Lozenges or cough syrup 

Antiviral treatment provides the greatest benefit when started soon after flu illness begins. There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended by CDC to treat flu this season. Speak to your healthcare professional to see which one is suitable for you. 

It is also important to ensure you get your Flu vaccination to prevent the severity and duration of the flu if you do get it (take this as a sign to book it in if you haven’t already!). 

Can you get rid of a cold or the flu fast?

There are some things you can try that may help speed up your recovery process from the common cold or flu, including:  

• Stay hydrated: Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. 
• Take immune-supporting vitamins: Vitamin C, Echinacea, Andeographis and Vitamin D may help support your body to fight off the virus. 
• Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas:, as these  can make dehydration worse.
• Add moisture to the air: A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion.
• Rest:  your body needs time to heal. 

Can you prevent the cold or flu?

Absolutely. There are a number of ways  you can prevent the cold or flu, including:  

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick: Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
• Wearing a mask:. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them.
• Washing your hands often:  will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Prioritise clean air: as this can reduce the risk of exposure to viruses. You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors.
• Practise good hygiene: Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly can help prevent the spread of some illnesses.
• Maintain healthy habits: get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Summary

To wrap it up, the common cold and flu are both caused by different viruses and have different symptoms, so this means they need different treatments as a result! If you’d like more personalised guidance, speak to a healthcare professional. 

Related articles:

• A guide to 7 of our favourite picks for cold & flu relief
• Can you exercise with a cold or flu?
• 5 immune supporting habits to help you bounce back

Reviewed by the Healthylife health experts May 2024.