Is It a Cold or the Flu?
At some point this winter there is a good chance that you will catch a cold or the flu. If and when you do, it is important to know whether it is a cold or the flu. Colds cause some discomfort for a few days, but generally don't require any special medical attention. The flu, however, can be a serious, even deadly, infection. People with the flu should see a doctor.
Colds. James Jones, MD, an expert on viral infections, says that colds generally infect only the upper respiratory tract -- the throat, nose, sinuses and possibly the middle ear. A cold may make your head all stuffed up and give you a runny nose and a sore throat, but generally does not affect other parts of the body. You might feel a bit rundown, but colds do not cause diarrhea and don't make you feel achy all over. And a cold generally does not generate a significant fever, above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Centigrade).
Occasionally, a cold can lead to a bacterial infection of the sinuses, known as sinusitis. Sinusitis can be recognized by facial pain, a fever, and pus coming out of the nose a few days after a cold has begun. You should see a doctor if you suspect that you have sinusitis.
The Flu. The flu is a systemic infection, one that affects the entire body. You generally feel awful. In addition to having a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (89 degrees Centigrade), patients usually feel achy all over. They can have gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea and vomiting. They generally have a stuffy nose and sometimes a cough.
The most common serious complication from the flu is pneumonia, an infection of the lower respiratory tract by either the influenza virus or some other infectious organism. Pneumonia can be deadly, especially for the elderly, immunocompromised people, and those with underlying respiratory ailments. If you think you have the flu, you should contact your doctor. A case of the flu generally lasts three to 10 days.
For more information about cold and flu season talk to a nurse by calling LUNG LINE® toll-free at 1-800-222-LUNG (5864).
