We are now squarely in the middle of cold and flu season. Because the two illnesses have many symptoms that overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to tell which illness you have.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Lake Oswego would like to share some facts about each illness.

Did the Cold Weather Cause My Common Cold?

Nope! The cold does not cause the common cold. A common cold is a contagious virus that is caught through infected droplets in the air, when a person coughs or sneezes.

Therefore, it is extremely important to wash your hands regularly and not to touch your face with your hands. If you develop cold symptoms, try to steer clear of others as much as possible.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches
• Mild headache
• Low-grade fever
• Malaise
• Sneezing

How Do I Know Have the Common Cold and Not the Flu?

Symptoms of the common cold and flu virus can be extremely similar. But in general, symptoms of the flu are more severe than those of a cold—and you are much more likely to experience body aches and extreme fatigue.

If you think you may have the flu, seek medical attention, since you may be able to take an antiviral to lessen the severity and intensity of your illness. If you have a cold, though, you can take steps to manage your illness at home.

Ways to Treat the Common Cold

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Get lots of rest.
• Use saline nasal drops.
• Eat chicken soup or broth.
• Sip warm liquids.
• Add moisture to the air through a humidifier.
• Relieve pain and fever with over-the-counter pain medications.

Are you still not sure whether you have the cold or the flu? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Lake Oswego today for a medical evaluation and flu test!