Cold, Flu, or Allergy? Tips and Treatments

Cold, Flu, or Allergy? Tips and Treatments

Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Airborne Allergy

Fever

Rare

Usual, high (100-102 Never

?F), sometimes higher,

especially in young

children); lasts 3-4

days

Headache

Uncommon

Common

Uncommon

General Aches, Pains Slight

Usual; often severe Never

Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes

Usual, can last up to 3 Sometimes

weeks

Extreme Exhaustion Never

Usual, at the beginning Never

of the illness

Stuffy, Runny Nose Common

Sometimes

Common

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Usual

Sore Throat

Common

Sometimes

Sometimes

Cough

Common

Common, can become Sometimes

severe

Chest Discomfort Mild to moderate

Common

Rare, except for those

with allergic asthma

Treatment

Get plenty of rest. Get plenty of rest. Avoid allergens (things

Stay hydrated. (Drink Stay hydrated.

that you're allergic to)

plenty of fluids.)

Aspirin (ages 18 and Antihistamines

Decongestants.

up), acetaminophen, or Nasal steroids

Aspirin (ages 18 and ibuprofen for aches, Decongestants

up), acetaminophen, or pains, and fever

ibuprofen for aches and Antiviral medicines

pains

(see your doctor)

Prevention

Wash your hands often. Get the flu vaccine Avoid allergens, such

Avoid close contact each year.

as pollen, house dust

with anyone who has a Wash your hands often. mites, mold, pet

cold.

Avoid close contact dander, cockroaches.

with anyone who has

the flu.

Complications

Sinus infection middle Bronchitis, pneumonia; Sinus infection, middle

ear infection, asthma can be life-threatening ear infection, asthma

NIH News in Health December 2014

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