Cold, Flu or Allergy?

The symptoms are similar to a point but if it came on hard and fast it's most likely the flu.

Similar Symptoms

Colds, allergies and the flu can all have very similar symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat and some congestion. The onset and duration are key to diagnosing the flu virus. According to popular belief, if the discharge from your nose or throat is green, you have an infection. This is not actually an accurate diagnostic tool. This discharge can be clear, yellow or even green and not be anything more than allergies or a cold.

Flu Hits Hard and Fast

The flu will come on very suddenly and quickly. It hits hard and fast! A cold can be slow to evolve and run a course of up to two weeks. Allergies can mimic a cold, but they can last a lot longer, particularly if the allergen is not removed. Allergy symptoms don't progress (e.g. from a scratchy throat to a full blown sore throat.)

One Symptom Will Stand Out

Usually one sign or symptom stands out and will differentiate the ailment. Itchy, watery eyes usually mean allergy. If you have facial pain or your upper teeth hurt, it's usually a sinus infection and you need to see your practitioner. A sinus infection, unlike colds, allergies or the flu, will need antibiotics. A sinus infection can result from a cold or a prolonged battle with nasal allergies. A sore throat from a cold can develop into an earache or strep throat which requires antibiotics.

Oh No It's the Flu!

If your symptoms come on suddenly and quickly worsen, you probably have the flu. Flu can start with a scratchy throat that quickly develops into a sore throat and/or hacking cough. Intense muscle aches and pains are usually the biggest clue that it's the flu. If you feel like you've been run over by a truck, call your doctor. You will most likely also have a fever and a throbbing headache. The symptoms usually dissipate in ten days to two weeks, but you can continue to have a bothersome hacking cough and feel fatigued for weeks. The flu virus medications if started in the first 2-3 days, will help to reduce the duration of your symptoms, but they are not a cure.

Dangerous for Some

The flu can be very dangerous especially to the very young, the elderly and anyone with a chronic illness. Health care workers are also at high risk due to repeated exposure. There is no cure for the flu. A flu shot is recommended to help prevent the flu. Contact your health care provider if symptoms worsen especially an elevated temperature. Complications from the flu include bronchitis and pneumonia.

Preventative Measures

Other preventative measures include frequent hand washing, avoiding crowds, healthy eating habits, getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids. If someone is coughing or sneezing near you remind them to cover their nose or mouth and to wash their hands.

Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, hair. Wash your hands frequently especially after using a tissue, coughing or sneezing, and using the bathroom. Keep surfaces in your home clean such as counters, hand rails, doorknobs, telephones, computer keyboards and mice to reduce spreading of germs.

Don't shake hands with someone if you are they are coughing or sneezing. Politely say you're happy to meet or see them, but you don't want to spread your germs.

Allergies can be helped by keeping surfaces clean especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Scrub and remove mold and mildew. Encase bedding in allergy-proof covers. Remove or avoid offending plants and animals as possible.

Here's a list of signs or symptoms you're most likely to have with colds, allergies or flu:

INFLUENZA (FLU)

headache- mild to intense
muscle aches and pains- moderate to intense
fever- can range from 102 to 104 degrees F for 3-4 days
fatigue - moderate to severe (can continue for several weeks)
sore throat - can be severe
cough- dry, hacking; can be severe

COLD

fever- sometimes slight elevation
headache-mild
muscle aches- mild
stuffy nose
nasal discharge - can be clear to green
sneezing- often
sore throat- mild to moderate
cough- mild to moderate

ALLERGY

headache- mild to moderate
stuffy nose
nasal discharge- usually clear but can be yellow or green
sneezing- often and usually itching or tickling in the nose
sore throat- from post nasal drip (usually no real redness)
cough- often and from a tickle in the throat
irritated eyes- itchy and watery

OTC Meds

Over the counter medications can be useful in reducing the severity and sometimes duration of symptoms with colds, flu and allergies. Read labels carefully and ask your health care practitioner to recommend OTC meds especially if you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.

Seek Professional Advice

Always seek the advice of your health care practitioner if you become ill. Providing a list of symptoms, their severity and onset will be helpful in diagnosing the ailment. Don't try to diagnose yourself even if you have a medical degree!