Is It the Flu or a Common Cold? Your Symptoms

Is it the flu or just a common cold?

On the morning of March 21, I started coughing, and in the afternoon, I developed a fever and headache, with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.
In the evening, I went to see a doctor, and my temperature was 39 degrees Celsius.
The doctor diagnosed me with suspected influenza and prescribed expectorants (with the side effect of causing a runny nose), antipyretics and analgesics to relieve inflammation and pain caused by inflammatory responses (which can also reduce fever), as well as medications for postoperative and post-traumatic swelling, sinusitis, breast engorgement, and respiratory conditions.
I was given Riluzole and a fever-reducing injection.
After returning home, my temperature stabilized between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius.
On the morning of March 23, I started experiencing a runny nose, headache, and a mild cough (not severe).
Upon waking up, my ears felt blocked, and holding my breath did not help (my ears are moist).
Could you please tell me if this is a common cold or influenza? Thank you.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/23

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if you have a fever and the clinical physician determines it to be influenza, the likelihood of it still being influenza is relatively high.
It is recommended to continue medication and monitor the situation.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/03/23

More Info

Determining whether you have the flu or a common cold can be challenging, as both conditions share similar symptoms. However, there are key differences that can help differentiate between the two.

Based on your symptoms, which began with a cough on March 21, followed by fever and headache, it appears that you may be experiencing influenza (the flu). The flu typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever (often above 100°F or 37.8°C), chills, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. In your case, the progression from cough to fever (with a peak temperature of 39°C) and the doctor's suspicion of flu suggest that this is more than just a common cold.

A common cold, on the other hand, usually develops gradually and is characterized by milder symptoms. Symptoms often include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat, but high fever and severe body aches are less common. The presence of a high fever and significant body aches in your case leans more towards influenza.

Your doctor prescribed medications to relieve symptoms and indicated that you might have flu, which aligns with the clinical presentation of your illness. The medications you received, including expectorants and antipyretics, are commonly used to manage flu symptoms. The fact that your fever subsided after treatment is a positive sign, but the subsequent development of nasal congestion and headaches could indicate that your body is still fighting off the viral infection.

The symptoms you experienced on March 23, such as nasal discharge and ear fullness, could be related to post-viral effects or secondary infections, such as sinusitis or otitis media (middle ear infection). These conditions can occur after a viral upper respiratory infection, including the flu or a cold, due to inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.

In summary, while both the flu and a common cold can cause respiratory symptoms, the severity and rapid onset of your symptoms, along with the high fever, suggest that you are more likely dealing with influenza. It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and follow your doctor's advice. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out complications or secondary infections.

In terms of medical advice, it is crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and continue taking any prescribed medications. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent high fever, seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, consider getting a flu vaccine in the future to reduce the risk of influenza, especially during flu season.

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