When you are feeling terrible, your first thought is usually “How do I get better?” Whether what you’re feeling is a common cold, or the flu, seems like a formality. However, it could be an important distinction, especially if you are one of the millions of Americans at risk for complications.

Both the common cold and the flu are viral infections that can spread quickly, especially through close contact. Because both are viral, antibiotics will not be effective and will not be prescribed. However, a Quick Care Med provider may be able to help you by treating the symptoms, and by ensuring there is nothing more serious going on.

Common Cold Symptoms

A cold can make you feel miserable. The good news is that should only last a few days to a week. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you probably have a cold:
• The initial symptom for most people is a sore throat. This usually only lasts for the first day or two
• A stuffy, runny nose usually follows, along with nasal congestion
• Mild body aches and/or fatigue are common
• Adults will rarely have a fever. A low-grade fever may be present in children
• A cough may develop 3 to 5 days into the cold

You do not need to see a medical professional for a cold unless it persists for more than a week. At that point, if symptoms are not improving, or are getting worse, you may have developed a bacterial infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a more serious viral infection that can progress to other illnesses, like pneumonia, especially if you are in one of the at-risk categories – the very young, the very old, and anyone who has a weakened immune system. The flu should be closely monitored in at-risk patients, or anyone who is getting worse over time. Symptoms of the flu include:
• The illness comes on suddenly
• Moderate to severe body aches and fatigue
• Fever, especially above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Exhaustion, especially during the first few days
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Diarrhea and vomiting (mainly in children)

If you visit a Quick Care Med provider within the first two days of the beginning of flu symptoms, the provider may be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which has been shown to have an impact on the severity of symptoms, and can also shorten the number of days you are sick with the flu. Those most at risk for complications should begin the antivirals whether or not they are within the two-day symptom period.
If you start to experience shortness of breath, or if your fever returns after being gone for a few days, see a provider right away as this could point to pneumonia.

Home Care for Cold and Flu

The following home care might help to relieve symptoms during your recovery:
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen, for body aches and pains
• Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat or earaches
• Drink lots of fluids, and REST
• Use a nasal rinse or saline drops
• Use a mentholated topical ointment to help with breathing
• Employ a vaporizer or humidifier
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not recommended for young children, but can be used to manage the symptoms of adults

Your Quick Care Med providers can perform tests to determine which treatments need to be administered, and how to get you back on your feet in no time!

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