Cold and flu season is upon us, and as temperatures drop in Great Falls, Montana, respiratory illnesses become increasingly common. Understanding the difference between a cold and the flu can help you make informed decisions about your health care, especially when caring for children or elderly loved ones.
Recognize the Key Differences Between Cold and Flu Symptoms
While both colds and flu affect the respiratory system, they differ significantly in severity and onset. Cold symptoms typically develop gradually over several days and usually include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and a mild cough. You may feel tired, but you can generally maintain your daily routine. Fever is uncommon in adults with colds, though children may develop a low-grade fever.1
Flu symptoms hit suddenly and intensely. Within hours, you may experience a high fever (100-104°F), severe body aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough, and headaches. The flu leaves you so exhausted that you can’t continue with normal activities. Chills, chest discomfort, and sometimes nausea or vomiting distinguish the flu from a simple cold.2
The key difference? A cold makes you feel unwell; the flu makes you feel miserable. If you’re debating whether you can go to work, it’s probably a cold. If you can barely get out of bed, it’s likely the flu.
FAQ: Can you have a cold and the flu at the same time? Yes, though it’s uncommon. Your body can be infected with multiple viruses simultaneously, which can exacerbate symptoms and prolong the recovery process. If you experience overlapping or worsening symptoms, contact Great Falls Clinic for an evaluation.
Protect Yourself and Your Family With These Prevention Strategies
Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprit. These viruses spread through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.3
Influenza viruses cause the flu, with types A and B being most common during flu season. These viruses are highly contagious and spread similarly to cold viruses, but are generally more resilient and infectious.
Prevention strategies overlap for both illnesses1:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when sick to prevent spreading illness to others
- Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards
- Get adequate sleep and nutrition to support your immune system
For flu prevention specifically, an annual flu vaccination is your best defense. Great Falls Clinic offers flu shots for all ages, providing significant protection against the most common flu strains each season.
FAQ: When is the best time to get a flu shot in Great Falls? The ideal time is early fall, typically September or October, before flu season peaks in Montana. However, getting vaccinated later in the season still provides valuable protection. Contact Great Falls Clinic to schedule your flu shot today.
Know When to Bring Your Child, Yourself, or an Elderly Loved One to Great Falls Clinic
Knowing when to visit Great Falls Clinic or Hospital can prevent complications and speed recovery, especially for vulnerable populations.
Act Quickly for Infants and Young Children (0-5 years)
Seek immediate medical care if your child experiences1:
- Fever above 100.4°F in children under 3 months, above 102°F in children ages 3-6 months, or above 104°F in children ages 6 months – 5 years
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Bluish skin color, especially around the lips
- Refusal to eat or drink, signs of dehydration
- Severe irritability or unusual lethargy
- Symptoms that improve, then suddenly worsen
Young children have developing immune systems and can deteriorate quickly. Don’t hesitate to call Great Falls Clinic if you’re concerned about your child’s condition.
Watch for These Warning Signs in School-Age Children and Adults
Visit Great Falls Clinic if you experience4,5:
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
- High fever (above 103°F) lasting more than three days
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe sinus pain or headache
- Symptoms that improve, then return with fever and a worse cough
Seek Earlier Care for Elderly Patients (65 and older)
Seniors should seek medical attention earlier, as they’re at higher risk for complications like pneumonia. Visit Great Falls Clinic if you notice4,5:
- Fever increase of 2°F above the person’s usual baseline accompanied with respiratory symptoms
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Worsening of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Patients with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should also contact Great Falls Clinic early in any illness, as they face higher complication risks.5
Get the Care You Need at Great Falls Clinic
At Great Falls Clinic in Great Falls, Montana, we’re committed to keeping our community healthy throughout the cold and flu season. Our experienced healthcare providers offer same-day appointments for acute illnesses, flu vaccinations, and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Don’t wait until symptoms become severe. Visit Great Falls Clinic at the first sign of concerning symptoms, especially for children and elderly family members. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you recover faster, allowing you to get back to enjoying everything Great Falls has to offer.
Visit Great Falls Clinic’s Walk-In Care and learn how our experienced team can help. Walk-In visits can also be scheduled online to reduce wait times. Call us at (406) 454-7200. You can also visit https://gfclinic.com/department/walk-in-care-immediate-care-center/.
Sources:
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) (2023). Overview: Common colds. InformedHealth.org. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/#:~:text=A%20cold%20usually%20takes%20a,and%20doesn’t%20develop%20gradually.
- NIH (n.d.). Is It Flu, COVID-19, Allergies, or a Cold? NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/01/it-flu-covid-19-allergies-or-cold
- (2024). About Common Cold. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
- Conrad, A. (2023). Burden of influenza in the elderly: A narrative review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0000000000000931.
- (2024). Signs and Symptoms of Flu. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html