Cold vs Flu: Which Have You Got?

It’s important to note that many of these symptoms are also caused by the COVID-19 virus.

If you have any of the symptoms of cold or flu, you should contact the HSE and get tested for Coronavirus. You should also self-isolate until you have a negative result.

It’s important to note that many of these symptoms are also caused by the COVID-19 virus.

If you have any of the symptoms above, you should contact the HSE and get tested for Coronavirus. You should also self-isolate until you have a negative result.

Cold vs flu symptoms

Many cold and flu symptoms are the same in both viruses. With either the common cold or the flu, you may experience:

• Aches and pains

With both the common cold and flu you may experience aches and pains. This can range from a general feeling of stiffness to a dull ache throughout the body. 

• Fatigue

Both viruses can cause feelings of fatigue, both mental and physical. 

• Sore throat

The cold and the flu can both cause a sore throat. If your throat is too sore for you to eat properly, we recommend contacting your GP and getting them to check for a throat infection. 

• Blocked or runny nose

A runny or stuffy nose is a symptom of both cold and flu viruses. You should contact your GP if you are experiencing moderate pain in the sinuses, and they will check for sinus infections. 

Some symptoms are more indicative of a common cold:

• Gradual onset of symptoms

Typically, the symptoms of the common cold will appear gradually over a couple of days. It may begin with a scratchy throat, sneezing or a runny nose, and symptoms will build up from there.

• Sneezing

Sneezing is typical with a common cold, and less likely if you have the flu. If you’re experiencing sneezing with no other symptoms, it may be allergies.

• Mild cough

Although a cough can occur with both viruses, with the common cold it tends to be mild and dry. 

• Mild headache

Your head may feel a little sore and tender with the common cold, but headaches are typically mild. 

And some are more indicative of the flu virus:

• Sudden onset of symptoms

When you catch the influenza virus, symptoms usually appear rapidly and in quick succession. 

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

Vomiting or diarrhoea, or both, are specific to the flu and not usually found with the common cold. It’s important to consume adequate fluids to make sure dehydration doesn’t occur. 

• Fever or chills

You might feel a little chilly with the common cold, but fever and chills are usually indicative of a flu. Fever can become moderate, and can be managed with over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol. 

• Moderate cough

A cough caused by the flu virus tends to be worse than that caused by the common cold. The cough is likely to be more regular and deeper in the chest, though can still be dry.

• Moderate headache

Headaches with the flu also tend to be worse than those caused by cold viruses, and can be treated with over the counter pain relief.

Is it a cold or the flu? Our chart will help you out!

Use our handy chart to check if you have symptoms of a cold or flu virus. 

How long can I expect a cold or flu to last?

Most common colds last about a week.

Usually, symptoms appear a couple of days after exposure, and you’re usually contagious for the time that you’re showing symptoms. 

Most flu viruses last about a week too. 

Symptoms typically appear between one and four days after exposure, and in some cases you can remain contagious for up to a week after your first symptoms. 

In both viruses, you’re most contagious for the first four days after symptoms appear. 

Cold vs flu: how do treatments differ?

In both cases, antibiotics are not necessary to treat symptoms as the common cold and flu are both caused by viruses, as opposed to bacteria.  

Colds can be treated with over the counter medication such as paracetamol and decongestants. You can take a cough medicine specifically aimed at dry or chesty coughs if you have one. You can find out more about treating a cold in our guide. 

The flu can be treated with over the counter pain relief like paracetamol and NSAIDS, cough medicine and decongestants. In some cases, if your immune system is compromised, your doctor may be able to prescribe you anti-viral drugs to stop symptoms worsening and shorten the illness.

Both viruses can also be treated with a specific cold and flu medicine containing a combination of ingredients designed to manage aches, pains, fever and congestion. 

If you are taking more than one medication to treat a cold or a flu, it’s important to check with your pharmacist how to take them and if they are safe to take together. 

When to see a doctor

Although most cold and flu viruses are easily managed at home, there are some cases when it’s important to go to your doctor. 

• If you suspect you have the flu and have any underlying medical conditions, or have any kind of immunodeficiency, it’s important to contact your GP as soon as possible. 
• If you are suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea and cannot keep liquids down, you may need support from a doctor to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated. 
• If you have a high fever that does not subside over a couple of days.
• If you suspect you have the flu and are over 65. 
• If you suspect a child has the flu and they are under the age of 2. 
• If you suspect you have the flu and you’re pregnant or have recently given birth. 

Can I prevent a cold or flu?

There are some measures you can take to avoid getting sick. 

There are a few measures you can take to lessen your chances of catching a cold or flu virus:

• Avoid people with symptoms

The easiest way to avoid catching a virus is to avoid those with symptoms. 

If you have to care for someone with symptoms, make sure to regularly wash your hands and clean surfaces in the house. If possible, have the infected person use a separate bathroom to any healthy people in the house. 

• Maintain a healthy immune system

Making sure you get a solid balance of rest and exercise and maintain a healthy diet year-round will help keep your immune system in good shape. 

You can take a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement to further strengthen your immune defences. 

If you have flu symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who does, you should avoid close contact with elderly or vulnerable people and do not go to work until you are better. 

The flu vaccine

The flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of catching the flu. You can find out more in our guide to the flu vaccine. 

If you’re suffering cold or flu symptoms, make sure you get plenty of rest, fluids, and stock up on medicines that can help. Don’t forget, our pharmacists are always happy to advise on the best choices for you or your family. 

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Supervising Pharmacist

Regina McGorisk