The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections. Colds are typically milder than the flu. A cold can make you feel ill for a few days, while flu symptoms can make you feel ill for weeks. The flu can also lead to more serious health problems like pneumonia. If you are coming down with a cold, your symptoms will typically begin with a sore throat and other symptoms like runny nose, congestion and cough will most likely follow a sore throat. Flu symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, but they are usually more severe and come on very quickly.
It can sometimes feel difficult to explain your symptoms — especially when you’re not feeling well. But describing your symptoms to your doctor is key to getting the right diagnosis and care. Here are some tips on communicating your symptoms.
As we enter fall, you and your family may have concerns about the flu (influenza) and how its symptoms differ from those of COVID-19. Here are some ways to identify and prevent the flu and COVID-19.
It takes a few more days, but after a about week of feeling “the worst you’ve ever felt,” the symptoms begin to ease, and you feel like you could once again join the human race. But just as suddenly as the flu first came on, your symptoms rapidly take a drastic turn for the worse. Your fever, coughing, and fatigue are even worse than what you thought was the worst days of the flu. Most likely, you have what is known as a “Secondary Infection,” and it can be more dangerous to you than the flu itself.
You may be wondering what steps you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19 and the flu this fall. Dr. Mia, senior medical director at Amwell Medical Group, shares tips for you and your family.
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