When you’re feeling sick, the only thing that may sound enjoyable is curling up in bed with a cup of tea. However, if you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with the common cold or the flu, it’s difficult to determine whether you should see a doctor. Here’s a closer look at these illnesses and when they require medical attention.

The Common Cold

A cold is usually much milder than the flu, and symptoms tend to dissipate within a few days. There are hundreds of different viruses that can lead to the common cold, but most start out with a sore throat, followed by congestion in the nose and sinuses. As the sore throat diminishes, you might experience a cough. Some colds feature high temperatures, but fevers are more common in pediatric patients. 

Sometimes, a cold can turn into an infection, such as in the sinuses or ear canals. If you don’t notice an improvement in a week or new symptoms arise at this checkpoint, you should call a doctor. They can treat your infection with antibiotics as well as offer corticosteroids to decrease painful inflammation.

The Flu

The flu, caused by the influenza virus, is more serious than the common cold. You can expect to feel sick for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

While the order and arrangement of flu symptoms vary by case, the symptoms are usually much stronger than the common cold. In addition to a sore throat, congestion, and cough, you may also experience a fever, chills, headaches, and body aches. Some strains of the flu also feature gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

In some cases, the flu can evolve into pneumonia. You should see a doctor if your symptoms last over a week or you start to have trouble catching your breath. If you have existing lung issues or heart problems or are over the age of 60, call a doctor as soon as you believe you’re experiencing flu symptoms. 

When you need care from a reliable doctor, reach out to Palladium Primary Care. This North Carolina medical clinic will treat your symptoms with compassion and urgency. Dr. George Osei-Bonsu has over a decade of experience and tends to patients aged 11 and older in his state-of-the-art facility. To learn more about this urgent care center, visit the website or call (336) 841-8500 to schedule an appointment with a doctor today.