Common cold
The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms.
Learn more about the common cold in our health encyclopedia.
Influenza and flu shots
Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a respiratory (nose, throat, lungs) illness cause by influenza viruses (germs). An annual flu shot is one of the best ways to avoid a bad case of the flu.
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature, in response to some disease or illness.
Stuffy nose
A stuffy nose can be due to colds, allergies, sinus infections or the flu. The sensation of a stuffy nose occurs when the membranes that line the nose become swollen.
Learn more about runny and stuffy nose in our health encyclopedia.
Sore throat
A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.
Cough
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an illness.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in young babies.
Pertussis
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. The coughing can make it hard to breathe. A deep "whooping" sound is often heard when the patient tries to take a breath.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of pneumonia caused by a virus. Infection with the SARS virus results in severe breathing diffculty and sometimes death.
Do you have a cold or the flu?
These general guidelines can help determine if you have the common cold or the flu.
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
|---|---|---|
rare |
102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit; lasts three to four days |
|
rare |
yes |
|
general aches, pains |
slight |
yes; often early on |
extreme exhaustion |
never |
rare |
common |
sometimes |
|
sneezing |
usual |
sometimes |
common |
sometimes |
|
chest discomfort, cough |
mild to moderate; hacking cough |
common; can become severe |
complications (problems) |
sinus congestion or earache |
bronchitis or pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
Prevention |
Use good respiratory and hand hygiene to stop the spread of germs. |
Get a seasonal flu vaccine each year. |
Treatment |
Consider over-the-counter medicine for temporary relief of symptoms. |
Ask your doctor about antiviral medicines if you are pregnant or if you have a chronic (long-lasting) illness. |
Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick
Clinic or hospital visit tips
While you are visiting a health care facility:
- If you cannot get to a sink to wash your hands, please ask your health care provider for a waterless alcohol handrub.
- Please ask your health care provider if he or she cleansed his or her hands before touching you. Your provider will cleanse his or her hands with a waterless alcohol handrub or with soap and water.
- Before you or anyone else handles your baby, make sure hands are cleansed.
If you are coughing or sneezing,you may be asked to put on a surgical mask to protect others.
Serious respiratory illness like influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough (pertussis), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are spread by:
Get a flu shot.
Annual influenza vaccinations are available by appointment at most Allina clinics.
Schedule flu shots online with MyChart.
- coughing or sneezing
- having unclean hands.
To help stop the spread of germs:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Put the used tissue in the waste basket.
Cleansing your hands is the easiest way to reduce the risk of spreading germs that cause infections.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or before eating.
Reviewed by: Allina Health Patient Education experts
First Published: 09/25/2009
Last Reviewed: 09/18/2012