Being able to differentiate between flu and a cold is important. Most of their symptoms are the same, though a cold is usually milder and less invasive than the flu. Symptoms of the flu include:

• Muscle and body aches
• A headache
• Fever
• A cough
• A sore throat
• Congestion
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Weakness

While cold symptoms can last for a few days, developing slowly and receding at the same rate, the flu can make you feel sickly for up to a few weeks. It usually comes faster and may leave you feeling fatigued and weak quite sometime after the other symptoms disappear.

Can flu be vaccinated against?

The flu comes in multiple different strains, which makes it hard to prevent. Some strains can be prevented by flu vaccines but it is very little you can do after you have caught the infection.

The best you can do to some strains is to stop the manifestation of some of their symptoms by taking drugs no more than 48 hours after getting the infection. Drugs such as zanamivir and oseltamivir can be used to curb some symptoms.

Note that sometimes it may difficult to tell when exactly you got the virus. The flu’s symptoms may be too subtle over the first few hours that one cannot estimate the 48-hour mark. If you can’t tell how long you have had the flu, consider seeing a cold and flu doctor directly for guidance.

You could be at risk of a flu complication

Naturally, your body is able to drive the flu virus away without the need to see a doctor. However, some cases of the flu may carry complications, which can lead to hospital admissions.

A common flu complication is the weakening of the lungs, which makes the vital organs vulnerable to a bacterial infection. The bacteria can directly lead to one or a combination of the following conditions:

• Sinusitis – Affects the sinuses
• Bronchitis – An infection of the airways
• Pneumonia – Probably the most serious complication, pneumonia affects the lungs and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time.

The following groups of people are at a greater risk of a flu complication:

• Children below the age of 6 and newborns
• People above 65
• Expectant women
• People who are in care homes on a long-term basis
• Caregivers of the sick, elderly or children
• Sufferers of chronic diseases
• Individuals with weak immune systems

If you’re looking for a cold and flu doctor in Encino, call Dr. David Zarian at (818)-986-7399 today for checkup and treatment.