This time of year, colds and flus seem to be everywhere. They are both viral illnesses but are two separate conditions caused by different viruses. If you’ve started to feel unwell, you might not know which condition you have because they share several of the same symptoms. Often the best way to tell the difference is to compare all the symptoms you have.
Symptoms of the Flu
The flu usually comes on very suddenly. It’s not uncommon to feel fine one day and to feel extremely ill with the flu the next. The symptoms caused by the flu are typically more intense than those you experience with a cold.
Flu symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches and pains
- Stomach problems
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Coughing
- Chills
- Nausea
- Being sick
- Sore throat
Symptoms of a Cold
Cold symptoms develop less rapidly and usually increase in severity. The symptoms also last longer than flu symptoms.
Cold symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Low grade fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
Can You Have a Cold and Flu at the Same Time?
A cold can’t turn into the flu and the flu can’t turn into a cold, but it is possible to have both illnesses at the same time. There are dozens of viruses that cause colds and flu so there’s always the potential of coming into contact with these viruses.
Having a cold and the flu at the same time isn’t very common, but it can happen. It shouldn’t make you feel any sicker, but your body might take more time to recover because of the extra stress your immune system will be under.
Flu Vaccination Service in Shipston-on-Stour and Wellesbourne
Even though they have been around for about as long as humans have existed, there are no cures for the flu or the common cold. The only treatments available are those that aim to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
There isn’t a cold vaccination currently available, but there are effective flu vaccinations. You need to get a new flu jab each year because flu strains evolve and change over time.
Pharmacy to My Door offers a quick and affordable flu vaccination service in Wellesbourne and Chipping Norton. You can contact us directly or book online for our convenient flu vaccination service in Brailes and Moreton-in-Marsh.
