If you have ever experienced having the flu, you most likely would not mistake it for a Although a cold may have some flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat or acough, symptoms such as a fever, muscle aches, headaches, extreme fatigue and weakness, or thechills are unquestionably symptoms of the flu.The flu is caused by different types of viruses, which appear every fall. It is spread bypeople coughing or sneezing the virus into the air. If a person catches the virus, symptoms maydevelop within 48 hours. A fever may last for up to 3-4 days, yet the fatigue and cough may lastfor a week or even longer. The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu shot before theend of November which is when flu season usually begins. The shot is not recommended foreveryone, especially those who are allergic to eggs, so it is best to check with your physician first. If you do catch the flu, it is recommended to take Tylenol to reduce the fever, and consume plentyof liquids and get lots of rest. Common colds are caused by more than 200 known viruses, which is why it is so easy tocatch one. This is also why symptoms may vary from just a stuffy nose to excessive coughing andsneezing. Like influenza viruses, cold viruses can be spread through the air. You also can catch acold by rubbing your eyes or nose after coming in contact with either someone who has a cold orsomething that they have touched. The way to prevent catching a cold is to wash your handsoften and keep them away from your face. It is also a good precaution to avoid sharing thingssuch as cups, silverware, telephones, and writing instruments. It is recommended if you catch acold to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. You may also take over-the-counter medicationsuch as an antihistamine or a decongestant to relieve your symptoms if necessary. Whichever it is, a common cold or the flu, you must let it run its course. Do what isnecessary to treat its symptom...
