FAQs
How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?
What causes colds and the flu?
When should I call my doctor or Campus Health Services?
How can I reduce my risk of catching a cold or the flu?
How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?
Although the common cold and the flu share many similar symptoms, they are two different conditions.
Cold symptoms are generally milder than flu symptoms.
The symptoms of a cold develop slowly and can include:
- Fever up to 102 degrees
- Runny or stuffy nose (often with green or yellow-colored discharge)
- Sore throat
- Sneezing, Cough
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Headache
- Watery eyes
Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and can include:
- Fever over 102 degrees
- Stuffy nose
- Nausea, loss of appetite
- Chills and sweats
- Fatigue and muscle aches, especially in your back, arms and legs
- Cough
- Headache
What causes colds and the flu?
Viruses cause the common cold and flu. Over 200 different viruses cause colds. There are not as many viruses that cause the flu. There's an immunization available for the flu and not for colds.
What can I do to feel better?
There's no "cure" for a cold, but you can treat your symptoms while your body fights off the virus. Based on severity of symptoms and test results (and if you're seen within 2 days of onset of symptoms!) your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine for the flu. Antiviral medicines can shorten the length of time you are sick with the flu (but not a cold).
- Get plenty of rest, especially while you have a fever.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can make cold symptoms worse.
- Drink lots of fluids like water and clear soups. Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are also important because they help prevent dehydration.
- Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help relieve the pain.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.
- Expectorants can thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
- Use Tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen for muscle aches and pain; people under 19 should NOT use aspirin because it can cause Reye's syndrome.
When should I call my doctor or Campus Health Services?
In most cases, you don't need to see a medical provider when you have a cold or the flu. However, if you have any of the symptoms in the list below, call your health care provider or Campus Health Services:
- A high, prolonged fever (above 102 degrees for 2 or more days)
- Symptoms that last for more than 10 days or get worse instead of better
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint
- Confusion or disorientation
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Severe pain in your face or forehead
- Hoarseness, sore throat or a cough that won't go away after 10 days
How can I reduce my risk of catching a cold or the flu?
- Wash your hands frequently, and keep them away from your nose, mouth and eyes. This helps to stop the spread of germs
- Eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep play a part in preventing colds and the flu because this helps boost your immune system.
- Avoid touching individuals (and their belongings!) who are sick with the flu or have cold symptoms
- Use a disposable tissue when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.
How do I request a program?
Request a program by completing the Health Promotion Program Request Form.
How do I request resources?
Request resources by completing the Health Promotion Resources Request Form.
