The common cold and flu are both notorious for starting with minor, seemingly harmless symptoms. While prevention is the best way to defend yourself from the common cold or flu, it is not always an option. Neglecting symptoms of either the common cold or flu will only make the condition worse.
If you or your child begin to suffer from early signs of a common cold or flu, be sure to act quickly and visit us for professional treatment as soon as possible. By doing so, we can help you receive the necessary care you need to speed up the recovery process.
Since symptoms of the common cold and flu are so similar, the two conditions are often either conflated or confused for each other. Unfortunately, an accurate diagnosis is necessary to administer appropriate treatment. All too often, affected individuals follow bad advice from well-meaning family or friends and inadvertently worsen their condition.
While individuals can sometimes recover from minor cold and flu cases with over-the-counter medications, rest, and fluids, they will need professional treatment methods for more severe cases. These at-home treatment methods will likely prove insufficient. An examination from an urgent care physician can effectively treat the patient's condition rather than just temporarily alleviating the symptoms.
Although caused by different viruses, the flu and common cold are both respiratory illnesses — meaning they will inevitably share many of the same symptoms. Signs of the flu include cough, fatigue, feeling chills or feverish, headaches, muscle or body aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. Common cold symptoms typically involve chest discomfort, cough, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, and stuffy nose.
Colds and flu share so many symptoms that it can be virtually impossible for an individual to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. If treated early enough, patients may be tested to determine whether they have been affected by the flu. Such certainty can ensure that patients get the appropriate treatment they need.
In general, flu tends to be more intense than a common cold. Colds tend to have a gradual onset, while flu comes on abruptly. While typical for flu, fevers are unusual in cases of the common cold. As such, it is also uncommon for cold sufferers to experience any chills. Headache is also rare, and any chest discomfort or cough tends to be mild to moderate in nature.
Those affected by the common cold are also likelier to have runny or stuffy noses. Since the common cold tends to be mild, it is less likely to lead to serious health problems (such as bacterial infections, hospitalizations, or pneumonia) for most patients. In comparison, the flu can include severe complications.
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Fever is often one of the telltale signs of a severe infection, virus, or reaction to a medication. While it is normal for a person's body temperature to vary from day to day, 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a safe average. Any temperature over 99.5 degrees can be classified as a fever. Though unpleasant, it is possible to manage fevers at home.
Persons looking for home remedies for fever may want to consider putting a cool cloth on their forehead to lower their temperature. A warm bath can also help, though it is crucial not to let the water get too hot, as this may further raise the body temperature. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help. Additionally, patients should drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. If the fever persists, affected individuals should seek medical attention immediately.
Q. Why should I go to urgent care for common cold and flu treatment?
Q. What are the signs of common cold and flu?
Q. What is the difference between the common cold and flu?
Q. What are the causes and symptoms of sinus infections?
Q. What are possible causes of vomiting and diarrhea?
Q. I have a cold, but the symptoms are not that severe. Is it okay for me to go to work or school, or am I too contagious?
A. The common cold and flu are both extremely contagious, especially the first few days after the symptoms appear. It is usually good to stay home from work for the first few days after suffering flu-like symptoms, even if they do not hinder your ability to work effectively and efficiently.
Q. How do flu shots work? Are they safe?
A. Yes, flu shots are safe. When you get a flu shot, you are injected with a small substance of influenza. While it will not get you sick, it may make you temporarily uncomfortable as your body fights off the infection. This allows it to build antibodies for when it identifies the flu in the future. However, since there are so many variations of the flu, the vaccine cannot guarantee full immunity.
Q. How long does it take to recover from the cold or flu?
A. The answer varies on a case by case basis. Some minor cases can be resolved in only a few days, while more severe cases may take longer. The recovery timeline hinges heavily on the extent of the symptoms and how soon the patient seeks treatment.
Q. Flu symptoms are interfering with my sleep. Is there anything that can make it easier?
A. Proper rest is essential to promote recovery when affected by the flu. Bring up your concerns with your physician. Our team can help determine the best remedies and medications to ease your particular symptoms.
Q. How can I help protect others when I have the flu?
A. Sick people are especially contagious when affected by fever. Limiting contact with others can help limit the spread, especially when dealing with children or the elderly. If possible, refrain from going into work or school and avoid any social functions until your fever is gone. Use an antibacterial wipe to clean anything you have touched or may have sneezed on, as the flu virus can live for up to 24 hours on any hard surfaces.
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with stronger medication and treatment options instead of ineffective store-bought products.
At Encompass Care, we are dedicated to providing our patients with strong, long-lasting symptom relief. We can also offer continued support throughout the treatment process. Call us today at 702-514-4295 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. We also accept walk-ins.
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