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
