Cold vs. Influenza (Flu)
Q: I have a number of questions related to the flu. How can you tell if you have the cold or the flu? Can I use over-the-counter medicine to relieve flu symptoms? Do I need to see the doctor if I think I have the flu?
Affinity's medical expert is Dr. Stephen Cruz, a board-certified family medicine physician providing Urgent Care services at the Affinity Medical Group Clinic at 3329 N. Richmond St., Appleton.
A: The cold and the flu are caused by viruses and basically have the same symptoms. The flu hits harder and faster than a cold with high fevers, headaches, joint pain and malaise, in addition to the normal cold symptoms.
In many cases you can use the same over-the-counter medications used to treat colds, with one exception. Children and teenagers should not be given aspirin. Make sure you check the ingredients on the back of the bottle of any cold medication for any aspirin or salicylates. The combination of aspirin and flu in kids can lead to something called Reye Syndrome, which can lead to behavioral changes and possibly death.
If you are within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms, you may be eligible for treatment with an antiviral flu drug. The medication can decrease the severity and shorten the length of your illness. Most healthy people feel better after about a week even without the medication. There are certain patients who may not tolerate the flu well, including small infants/kids, elderly patients, pregnant patients, nursing home residents, or patients with other underlying illnesses. Special considerations are also given for caregivers of kids less than 6 months of age. If a patient is having problems with breathing, changes in behavior, passing out, confusion, persistent vomiting with an inability to keep down fluids or severe facial or chest pain or has symptoms beyond those already described, then the patient should come in for further evaluation.
