Colds (a.k.a. Upper Respiratory Infection):
- Bacterial
- Scratchy/Sore throat
- Runny nose or stopped up nose
- Sneezing
- Thick yellowish discharge
- Watery eyes
- Mild fever
- Headaches
- Viral (requires testing to confirm its the flu)
- Fever (102-103)
- Headache
- Malaise (general discomfort or uneasiness)
- Lots of nasal discharge
- Sore throat
- Aches and pains in legs and back
- Photophobia
- Burning chest
- Photophobia (problems with light)
- Lasts longer
With both the flu and a cold the best medicine is prevention. Washing your hands thoroughly, hydrate properly, don't share stuff, sleep well, and avoid sick people. Colds are usually treated symptomatically with over the counter drugs. The flu can be prevented by the flu vaccine. This is usually treated conservatively with bed rest and hydration and possibly using tamiflu. Tylenol can be used to decrease a fever. Home therapies such as salt water gargles, steam inhalation and cough medicines can also be beneficial. With both the cold and the flu there is the possibility of secondary infections such as bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, etc...
For more information, check out the Vanderbilt Flu Tool