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Student Health Services

Flu & Colds

Cold and flu share many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to know which one has. Both are caused by viruses and can make a person feel tired and exhausted. Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms.

Flu and Cold Comparisons
SYMPTOMS FLU COLD
Cough Yes Yes
Fever & Chills (fevers > = 101 ° F or 38.3 ° C) Yes No
Headache Yes Mild or More
Malaise (Fatigue) Yes Mild
Muscle Aches Yes Yes
Runny Nose Yes or Mild Yes
Sneezing No Yes
Sore Throat Yes Yes
Weakness Yes Sometimes Mild

Treatment Includes:

  • Rest and lots of fluids
  • For a fever, muscle aches and headache -- take two acetaminophen tablets every four hours as needed or ibuprofen 200 mg. -- two tablets every six hours, with food.
  • For a cough -- cough syrup with an expectorant may help lessen the cough, along with lozenges and plenty of fluids.
  • For a sore throat -- saltwater gargles (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz warm water) and throat lozenges to soothe the throat.
  • For nasal congestion -- take an over the counter decongestion such as pseudoephedrine but not any type of antihistamine. Anti-histamines will cause drowsiness and have a drying effect on the mucous.
  • Antibiotics are of no value in treating colds, coughs, and sore throats caused by viruses.Flu symptoms can be treated with anti-viral medication if symptoms are severe

Call Student Health Service for:

  • Fever over 102 degrees F
  • Coughing yellow, green, brown or blood tinged sputum
  • Earaches, face pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath
  • Cold symptoms not improving after 10 days