Cold or Flu?

The Flu vs. The Common Cold

What's the difference?
Why does that matter?

Many of us in the Houston area welcome the change in seasons. Once again, we can enjoy midday and early evening without air conditioning and excessive fluid intake. But the decrease in temperature brings an increase in respiratory illness.

Most of us have suffered from the common cold or the flu virus at one point. As similar as their symptoms might seem — fever, body aching, fatigue, cough —  they are caused by different viruses, and it can be difficult to tell the two apart. (In fact, the flu is caused by the influenza virus, but a common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses.)

Why is it important to know the difference?

Primarily because the flu is worse. The symptoms and complications set in faster (3–6 hours) and last longer (up to two or three weeks). Untreated, the flu can seriously affect your quality of life.

That said, the flu is also preventable through flu shots, and it can be treated if caught within the first day or two.

Check out our chart below. If you’re feeling a little sick, a little tired, or just unable to enjoy a cool fall evening with the family, it may be the flu — and HealthOne Emergency Care may be able to help you.