As soon as you feel the first symptoms, uncommon fatigue or a sore throat, you wonder, is it a cold or the flu? Everyone can be touched by these infections, but it’s important to know the difference to get the proper treatment. It’s a good thing there are surefire ways to tell them apart.
1
In general, a cold is a more banal, less serious infection than the flu. The latter can have more serious consequences like hospitalizations and even deaths.
2
It is very rare to experience fever with a cold. So, if you present a fever of 100.4–104°F or 38–40°C for three to four days, you’re probably suffering from the flu.
Vaccination is your best protection against the flu and its complications - Catherine Plamondon, Brunet's affiliated pharmacist-owner, Hemmingford and Lacolle branches.
3
You can feel a little achy with a cold, but when your muscles feel stiff and painful, it’s probably the flu. These muscle aches will go away after three or four days.
4
A cold may make you feel a little more tired than usual, but the flu will present with intense and persistent fatigue for up to two or three weeks!
5
If you’re feeling congested and your nose is constantly runny, you probably have a cold, as these symptoms are rather rare with the flu
6
Very common with a cold, sneezing is not usually a symptom of the flu.
7
Sore throats are more often associated with cold symptoms and are rarely associated with the flu.
8
The congestion that comes with a cold can cause rare minor headaches. On the other hand, headaches are basically a given with the flu and can be very intense.
9
We may have a light to moderate cough with a cold. However, the cough will usually be more severe when it’s associated with a flu.
Whether you’re suffering from a cold or the flu, your pharmacist affiliated with Brunet is your best ally and can :
Your Brunet-affiliated pharmacy can offer vaccination by a nurse against the flu, under certain conditions. Make an appointment and get vaccinated at a participating Brunet-affiliated pharmacy at a time that suits you.
Most people won’t need to consult a doctor for a cold or even the flu. However, those who are more vulnerable (older people, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, babies, etc.) must monitor their symptoms carefully and consult a doctor if need be.
Also, you should consult a doctor immediately if you experience:
Consult your pharmacist for more information. He will be able to orient you toward the proper resource.
