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Colds and the flu - what to ask your doctor - adult

Many different germs, called viruses, cause colds. Symptoms of the common cold include:

• Cough
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.

Many flu symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Flu symptoms most often include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Symptoms can also include vomiting and diarrhea. Many of these symptoms are the same as for COVID-19.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your cold or flu.

What are the symptoms of a cold? What are the symptoms of the flu? What are the symptoms of the COVID-19? How can I tell them apart?

• Will I have a fever? How high? How long will it last? Can a high fever be dangerous?
• Will I have a cough? Sore throat? Runny nose? Headache? Other symptoms? How long will these symptoms last? Will I be tired or achy?
• How will I know if I have an ear infection?
• How will I know if I have pneumonia?
• When should I get tested for COVID-19?

Can I make other people sick? How can I prevent that? What should I do if I have a young child at home? How about somebody who is older?

When will I start to feel better?

What should I eat or drink? How much?

What medicines can I buy to help with my symptoms?

• Can I take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol)? How about cold medicines?
• Can my provider prescribe stronger medicines to help improve my symptoms?
• Can I take vitamins or herbs to make my cold or flu go away quicker? How do I know if they are safe?

Will antibiotics make my symptoms go away faster?

Are there other medicines that can make the flu go away faster?

How can I keep from getting a cold or the flu?

• Should I get a flu shot? What time of year should I get one? Do I need one or two flu shots every year? What are the risks of the flu shot? What are the risks for me if I do not get a flu shot? Does the regular flu shot protect against swine flu?
• Is a flu shot safe for me if I am pregnant?
• Will a flu shot keep me from getting colds all year long?
• Can smoking or being around smokers cause me to get the flu more easily?
• Can I take vitamins or herbs to prevent the flu?

Barrett B. The common cold. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 329.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Seasonal flu vaccines. www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm. Updated August 25, 2023. Accessed October 23, 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Flu: what to do if you get sick. www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm. Updated December 15, 2022. Accessed October 23, 2023.

Ison MG, Lee N. Influenza. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 332.

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