Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Find out which virus is making you feel so crummy, and what meds can help ease your symptoms.
Sidelined with a cough, running nose or sore throat? With flu season officially upon us, and cases of the common cold ramping up, too, here’s how to tell which virus triggers which symptoms. Plus, the meds that will help you recover faster.
Check your symptoms.
Despite what you may have heard, the flu isn’t just a “bad cold.” The common cold can be caused by one of over 200 viruses; the seasonal flu is only caused by the A and B strains of the influenza virus. While there’s some overlap, common cold symptoms typically vary from those of the flu.
With the common cold, sickness typically begins gradually with a sore throat, followed by nasal symptoms (like a runny or stuffy nose) and a cough. With the flu, symptoms such as a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aches, headache and fatigue come on rather abruptly and severely. Track your symptoms on the chart below to figure out which bug you might have.
Consider the onset and duration.
Symptoms of the common cold usually progress over the course of a few days — and tend to last for about a week. Flu symptoms, on the other hand, often hit suddenly, and typically last for about one to two weeks.
Take care of yourself.
Whether you have a common cold or the flu, you should rest and drink plenty of fluids. You may also take pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) to reduce fever and aches. Decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or nasal steroids like Flonase (fluticasone) can also help relieve a stuffy nose. Expectorants, such as Tussin (guaifenesin), can help you cough up mucus more easily. Check with your doctor to ensure these medications are right for you. Money-saving tip: Going straight to the pharmacy and purchasing a drug over-the-counter (OTC) can be quick and easy, but keep in mind you may be able to get better prices for OTC drugs if you get a prescription from your doctor.
If you contract the flu, several antiviral drugs are also available that can help to shorten the length and severity. Two examples are Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), which you can obtain with a prescription from your doctor. These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, but can potentially work if you take them after this period. While these medications can help to lessen flu symptoms and duration, vaccination is still the most effective way to prevent the flu altogether.
Always work with your doctor to ensure that you’re taking the best care of you and your symptoms. If you’ve been prescribed any medication by your doctor, always remember to check the Blink Price before going to the pharmacy.
This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Blink Health is not insurance. The discount prescription drug provider is Blink Health Administration, LLC, 536 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10012, (844) 366–2211, www.blinkhealth.com
