Cold vs Flu Symptoms

Cold vs Flu Symptoms: These two illnesses are often easily confused because the symptoms are so similar.

As we compare the symptoms of these two common ailments, I think you'll see why we often have trouble making a self-diagnosis.

Having said that, proper identification of the cause of your discomfort can really help you in finding appropriate treatments to both the cold and flu.

Are you sneezing? Feeling feverish? Upset stomach? Congested? Is it a cold? Is it the flu?

These are the questions we ask ourselves when we or someone we love (a child, a spouse, an elderly parent) begins to feel unwell.

Looking at both the similar and conflicting symptoms of a cold or flu virus we can discover some generalizations that may help in making that ID.

Running a fever (or high temperature) is more common with a bout of the flu, rather than a cold, although infants with a cold may develop a low grade fever.

The flu is also associated with body aches and fatigue, but fatigue can also be associated with a cold.

Nasal congestion and sneezing are usually evident in colds while much less frequently experienced in flu cases. A sore throat is associated with both colds and flu.

Additionally, chest discomfort due to cough are often present in flu rather than in colds, but again, it's not cut and dried. A severe cold can develop into a chest infection on occasion.

Other common cold symptoms usually include nasal congestion which is characterize by a feeling of fullness or a "stuffy nose" and may be accompanied by sneezing. Watery eyes and a scratchy nose, throat or eyes may be experienced as well.

Headaches and fatigue are associated mostly with the influenza virus.

So, to summarize the comparison between cold vs flu symptoms, here's a little chart to help you out.

Comparing Cold vs Flu Symptoms

Cold Symptoms Mainly affects head, nose, and throat.	Flu Symptoms You can experience symptoms throughout the body.
Fever only in infants and toddlers.	Sudden onset of fever.
Stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, and sometimes a sore throat.	Begins with a fever and can be followed by a headache, aches throughout the body, lack of energy, vomiting, and sometimes dizziness.
Cold symptoms begin 1 to 5 days after exposure to one of the 200 cold viruses. The symptoms usually begin with irritation in your nose or a scratchy feeling in your throat. Within hours you may experience sneezing and a runny nose.	Flu symptoms begin within 1 and 3 days of exposure to one of the many variant flu bug germs - You begin with a fever, tiredness, and muscle aches and pain. This may lead to more severe symptoms like croup, sore throat, bronchitis, ear infection, and pneumonia.
Usually over in a week, but your cough may last longer.	Depending on the strain of flu virus you get, the duration of the infection will vary. You may experience what is commonly referred to as "the 24 hour flu" but generally symptoms disappear within 4 to 7 days in most cases. However, the cough and tiredness may linger for a few weeks.

Most common cold vs flu symptoms can be dealt with using remedies available in most of our homes. Likewise, there are natural vitamins and herbal medicines which are proven to be beneficial in preventing and treating cold and flu.

Most people will tell you that there is "no cure for the common cold." What they really mean is that there is no conventional medicine that will be a quick fix for the cold virus. On the other hand, conventional medicine and the pharmaceutical companies will tell you that prevention of flu can be achieved by vaccination.

My family and I do NOT get vaccinations because I believe it's better to strengthen the immune system rather than inject the virus into the body. You have to determine what is right for you and your family.

Flu incubation is the period from infection to the presence of signs and symptoms. The flu incubation period is between 1 and 4 days. If you know you have been exposed to someone with the flu, it's a good idea to start taking some preventive measures.

For me, I immediately begin taking Herbal Fiberblend for a few days. In fact, this applies to exposure to someone with a cold, as well. The herbs in HFB are anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial, and for the last few years (since "discovering" HFB) I have found myself with very little cold or flu symptoms.

Of course, keeping your immune system strong is important both before, during, and after a bout of cold or flu. Increase your nutritional intake by including more vitamin C, D, and antioxidant supplements. I also like to use the Garden Trio whole food supplement powders for immune support, particularly throughout the cold and flu season.

Although distinguishing between cold and flu symptoms can be a bit tricky, protecting and boosting your immune system is always a safe bet.

I hope this little article debating cold vs flu symptoms was helpful to you in determining what your next step will be.

To your good health!

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