Do You Have The Flu Or Just A Cold? Here's How To Tell

The flu isn’t playing around. Experts say it’s been particularly severe, with more than 60,000 Americans testing positive for influenza since Oct. 1 (and that number will keep rising).

Why is this flu season so rough compared with some others? It all comes down to the type of flu that’s spreading, according to Margarita Rohr, a clinical instructor of medicine at New York University’s Langone Health.

“This season is different because H3N2 is the predominant strain of flu,” she told HuffPost. “This is important because historically, this strain of flu has been associated with higher intensity of symptoms, more frequent hospitalizations and deaths.”

Given that, the first signs of the sniffles might induce panic. But there are distinct differences between a run-of-the-mill cold and flu symptoms, and there are ways to manage both to get you feeling better as soon as possible. 

Below, experts break down the warning signs that distinguish whether you’re dealing with the flu versus a cold, plus tips on how to nurse yourself back to health.

A cold and the flu have symptoms that overlap, such as a sore throat, fever, cough, headache, congestion, sneezing. However, the severity of the symptoms is usually what sets the flu apart, Rohr said.

She added that “a major symptom of the flu is muscle and body aches, which can be severe. Body aches or muscle aches may be mild, if present at all, with a common cold.”

If you feel fine at the office and suddenly feel sick when you walk through your front door, chances are you might be coming down with the flu. Colds usually take a little more time to develop, according to Ian Tong, chief medical officer at Doctor On Demand.

“You can go from well to sick within just a few hours [if you have the flu],” Tong said. Symptoms may start with a cough but then will rapidly progress to a high fever, body aches and fatigue, he said.

Are you feeling under the weather but could force yourself to go to the office? You’re probably dealing with a cold rather than the flu.

“Extreme exhaustion could also be indicative of the flu,” Rohr said. “This symptom can sometimes last for weeks, whereas with the common cold, this symptom is usually mild and limited, if present at all.”

There are treatments for the flu through prescriptions like Tamiflu, an antiviral medication that may reduce the length of the illness. But you have to act fast.

“The treatment window for flu is usually within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms,” Tong said.

Congratulations, your bed is now your new best friend.

“One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to allow your body to rest while you are feeling under the weather,” Tong said. “Resting gives your body a chance to fight off the infection and can help boost your immune system.”

This goes for the flu or a common cold. You tend to get dehydrated due to fever sweats or lack of appetite, Tong said.

“Drinking warm and hot liquids can aid in rehydrating your body and [alleviate] symptoms such as congestion, sore throat and coughing,” he said. “Healthy soups and broths may also help in feeding your body the nutrients it needs while recovering.”

(Looking for chicken soup recipes? We’ve got you covered.)

Items you already have on hand in your medicine cabinet or at home may help abate some of the nasty side effects of your illness.

“Using a humidifier may make it easier to breathe,” Rohr said. “Fevers can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough drops may soothe a dry or sore throat and help lessen the cough.”

“If you are experiencing a chill or a fever, taking a warm bath or cool shower could offer some comfort,” Tong said. “Adding shower or bath bombs containing eucalyptus, menthol or other essential oils could make the experience more pleasant.”

The flu makes you more susceptible to other illnesses, like bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis, according to Rohr. If you’re experiencing chest pains, dizziness or difficulty breathing, it’s best to seek a health professional right away to make sure something more severe isn’t occurring, she stressed.

It’s also important to monitor your fever, keeping a close eye on major spikes as well as the actual temperature. A high fever of up to 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a rapid heart rate or shortness of breath shouldn’t be ignored, Tong said.