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Cold, Flu, or Pneumonia?

Student Health Services

Cold, Flu, or Pneumonia?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccination. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine this year and you should check with your healthcare provider for guidance. Getting the flu vaccine does not guarantee that you will not get the flu, but the duration and symptoms should be greatly reduced.
 

Cold

  • Symptoms develop slowly
  • Coughing, sneezing    
  • Sinus pain
  • Sore throat
  • Mild body aches
  • Symptoms subside within 4-9 days
  • Generally less severe than the flu
  • Can be treated with over-the-counter medications
  • Best remedies are rest and lots of fluids
  • Contact your healthcare provider if your cold persists for more than a week, if your cough suddenly worsens, or if you develop a fever
  • Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not used to treat viruses/colds 

Flu

  • Symptoms usually develop suddenly
  • Sudden high fever (above 100.40)
  • Significant body aches
  • Headaches
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Mild cough, mild sore throat
  • Symptoms typically subside within 2-5 days, although respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sore throat may persist for up to 2 weeks.
  • Rest, drink lots of fluids, and take over-the-counter medication for fever and body aches
  • Prescription anti-virals (such as Tamiflu) may help you recover more quickly.  
    • It has been reported that antivirals (Tamiflu and/or Relenza) are most effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset.
  • Stay home until you have been without a fever for 24 hours.

Pneumonia

  • Symptoms usually start  a little faster than cold symptoms, but slower than flu symptoms
  • Viral pneumonia-deterioration over the course of 12-36 hours
  • Bacterial pneumonia happens when bacteria invades lungs that are weakened by a cold or flu
  • Shortness of breath is a common symptom
  • Sharp or stabbing pain with inhalation
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Excessive sweating
  • Increased breathing and heart rate
  • Blueness around the mouth and lips
  • Patients with pneumonia ALWAYS need to see a healthcare provider for treatment
  • When being treated for pneumonia, it is vital that patients complete the prescribed course of medication. 
    • Not completing all prescribed medications may result in relapse.

When in doubt about your symptoms, schedule an appointment at Health Services at 337-475-5748.

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