Welcome, fall weather! The hot summer days have made us long for boots, scarves, and cozy sweaters, so we are grateful for the amber leaves and the crisp air. The change in weather, however, has also brought along some unwanted guests, like cough, nasal congestion, and scratchy throats. We are pulling out the tissues and hand sanitizers every few minutes and struggling to get a sentence out before a tickle appears in the throat.
How long do you go before scheduling a visit with your doctor or fearing that it may be influenza (Flu)? Here are a few differences between the common cold and the influenza virus:
- Flu symptoms typically include fever or feeling feverish, chills, headache, and body aches. Occasionally, the following are also present: cough, nasal congestion, headache, and sore throat. The onset of the flu is usually sudden.
- Common cold symptoms include gradual onset of sneezing, stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. Rarely, fever and chills are present.
If your child is having difficulty breathing, has persistent fever, or is not eating or drinking, it is time to seek medical care right away.
Please contact us at Diamond Physicians (info@diamondphysicians.com) for further information on this topic. Please visit the following website for more trusted information: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/symptoms.htm