Cold and flu: how to tell the difference

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A cold, or not a cold?  The flu, or not the flu?  These are the questions that have troubled those who suffer from congestion, sneezing, coughing, and general malaise. But perhaps the biggest question of all: “What’s the difference between the two?”

While colds and flu are both respiratory viral illnesses, they are caused by different viruses — but the bottom line is that they can both make you suffer. In the case of a cold, the symptoms are typically milder than with the flu. With a cold, a runny or stuffy nose is most often the norm, while the associated symptoms and potential consequences of the flu tend to be more severe.

If you’re under the weather and are not sure what’s wrong, a visit to our offices at Soho Health can be your first step toward feeling better. As the first step in care, we’ll review the history of your symptoms and perform a clinical exam. Though we give antibiotics as well as other medications when needed, we place an emphasis on the precise diagnosis of your problem to provide the most appropriate care.

It’s always a good idea to exercise caution and not to ignore a fever, nagging coughs, body aches or pains. This is especially important if your fever is not responding to medication, you have a persistent cough, you feel dehydrated or dizzy, or experiencing a very sore throat that’s not going away.

In situations involving respiratory infections, we can provide breathing treatments on-site as needed. Keep in mind that an acute respiratory infection is dangerous for children as well as older adults and people with immune system disorders.

Your go-to destination for prompt, professional healthcare

If you find yourself in a situation that requires medical attention, Soho Health is here for you. Our experienced team is committed to medical excellence, providing efficient treatment for all kinds of non-critical medical emergencies. For more information on the services we offer, call us today.