Sore Throat, Sneezing, and Coughing: Is This the Flu?
Over the last two weeks, we’ve had countless questions asking about flu symptoms. This storm of queries is likely brought on by the record flu levels in New York, among other areas.
Symptoms like a sore throat, cough, and sneezing are more typical of a common cold. These symptoms can build up over a few days and have an impact on your day-to-day.
The flu, on the other hand, hits harder and faster. It also includes sudden fever or chills, severe body aches, an unshakable headache, and fatigue.
Another key consideration with the flu is that the cough is often dry. Yet, some symptoms overlap with a common cold, and the real decider is whether you feel knocked flat or not.
It’s very important to understand the difference between a common cold and the flu because the latter can have a big impact on older adults or on people with other health conditions. So let’s dig into this fully.
CDC breakdown for common cold symptoms
The CDC’s common cold page lists these signs and symptoms:
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Mild body aches
- Fever, usually low grade in older children and adults
These symptoms usually peak within 2 to 3 days after infection and normally last 7 to 10 days.
CDC breakdown for flu symptoms
The CDC’s flu symptom page lists these signs and symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish, chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea can happen, more often in children than adults
The CDC also highlights that the above symptoms often come on suddenly. The main symptoms of the flu can last between 3 and 7 days, but it may take two weeks to fully pass.
Some steps you can take if not an emergency
There’s a big difference between feeling terrible and having an emergency.
If you feel bad, the following may help:
- Warm drinks and real rest.
- Take onboard fluids often, even if you don’t want to.
- Use throat lozenges or warm tea with honey to relieve sore throats.
- Consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you can take them safely.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
If you have to go out, wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes, as this will reduce your chance of spreading it to others.
What makes it an emergency?
If you are experiencing any of the following, contact a clinician immediately:
- Symptoms are not improving after about 7 days, or if they suddenly get worse.
- If the fever lasts several days and your throat pain is severe, or if you get a new rash
- If you’re 50 plus, pregnant, immunocompromised, or have heart or lung disease, diabetes, or similar conditions, and you think you may have severe flu
If you have any of the following, call 911 or go to the ER if you’re able:
- Trouble breathing or if you can’t catch your breath
- If suffering from confusion, extreme drowsiness, fainting, or have a blue or gray face (lips)
- If you are coughing up blood, choking, or you can’t swallow fluids
If you feel unwell, or something feels off, it’s always worth calling your clinician, especially since antivirals for flu work best when started early.
More About:Reader Questions