Cold Or Flu? 7 Ways To Tell The Difference
When the sniffles start and the tissues pile up, it can be tricky to figure out if it’s just a cold or the dreaded flu. Knowing the difference is key to adopting effective habits for cold and flu, ensuring safe routines for cold and flu recovery, and selecting the right disinfectants for cold flu prevention. So, let’s dive into the telltale signs that can help you distinguish between these two pesky ailments. 1. Onset of symptoms One of the first clues lies in how quickly the symptoms hit. Colds usually sneak up on you, with symptoms gradually worsening over a few days. In contrast, the flu often hits like a freight train, with symptoms appearing suddenly and severely. If you find yourself feeling fine in the morning and then bedridden by evening, it’s likely the flu. 2. Fever factor While both colds and flu can cause a fever, the flu tends to bring higher temperatures. A mild fever might accompany a cold, but a high fever, often over 101°F, is more characteristic of the flu. Keep a thermometer handy and monitor your temperature to help determine which bug you’re battling. 3. Body aches and chills Flu is notorious for causing intense body aches and chills that can leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.