With cold and flu season in full swing, it's important to understand the differences between the two. Although both are contagious viruses, many people tend to have more severe symptoms that may require a trip to the doctor's office with the flu. To better identify your condition and understand how to best remedy it, here's what you should know about the cold and the flu. 

What Are the Differences Between the Common Cold and the Flu?

When you have a cold, symptoms tend to gradually intensify over time, peak, then gradually decline. With a fever, symptoms hit suddenly and can become very severe, very quickly. Although a flu can share a few of the same symptoms, such as a cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat, a cold is usually milder. Fevers associated with the flu tend to be over 100 degrees with a prominent headache, muscle aches, and extreme exhaustion. Temperatures associated with a cold are usually under 100 degrees and have more prominent respiratory symptoms. The flu also tends to last about five to seven days, while a cold can last up to three weeks.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Most cases of the cold don't require a visit to your doctor's office. They can be remedied at home with some tea, over-the-counter medicine, and bed rest. However, if you have lingering symptoms or any discomfort in your chest, it's best to schedule an appointment to be safe. If you have the flu and notice any severe symptoms, it's important to head to the emergency room. Severe symptoms may include sudden dizziness or confusion, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, chest pain, or fever that's 103 degrees or higher. To help reduce the risk of severe cases of the flu, talk to your doctor about vaccinations and preventive measures during the cold and flu season.

If you're experiencing troublesome symptoms or persistent fever, schedule a doctor's office visit with Affinity Health Group in Monroe, LA. This health group is staffed with qualified family doctors and medical professionals who work to help you stay healthy and overcome any illnesses you experience. Their caring team provides a variety of services to patients of all ages, with a specialization in preventive care and chronic care treatments. To learn more about their practice, visit them online or call (318) 807-4900 to schedule an appointment today.