Thanks in part to freezing weather and indoor holiday gatherings, cold and flu season is in full swing. But how can you tell whether you have a cold or something more serious? Here’s what to look for.

A Cold

It’s called the common cold for a reason.

“Colds are the most common upper respiratory infection and are usually caused by viruses,” said Dr. Joey Romar of Aultman Orrville Dunlap Family Physicians on a recent Health Matters program.

In fact, colds lead to more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness annually.

“Colds are what’s most commonly known when you get sick with a runny nose and sore throat,” Dr. Romar said. “Your ears might hurt and you might have some pressure in your face.”

Because colds can be caused by more than 200 different viruses, healthcare providers usually do not test to determine which virus is causing your cold. Colds are highly contagious but relatively harmless, although they do sometimes lead to other illnesses such as ear infections.

The Flu

Influenza, also known as the flu, can be much more serious than a cold. “Flu and COVID are upper respiratory infections that can be mild,” Dr. Romar said. “But what’s different about flu and COVID and sometimes RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] is that they can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia or become more serious.”

Symptoms of the flu include extreme exhaustion, cough that can become severe, headache, high fever, runny or stuffy nose and severe aches and pains. Some people may even experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu symptoms are often like cold symptoms but more severe. Check out the chart in this overview to help you determine whether you might have the flu.

Over-the-counter tests are available to help you determine if you have the flu or COVID.

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against severe illness from viruses. Vaccines are available for influenza, COVID and RSV. Talk to your healthcare provider about current recommendations for vaccines.

Antibiotics do not work on viruses, so they are not used to treat colds and flu.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils, caused by group A strep bacteria. While most sore throats are not caused by strep, several symptoms are warning signs that your sore throat could be strep throat.

These include fever, pain when swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, a sore throat that started very quickly and looks red, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth and white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils.

While anyone can get strep throat, it is most common in children ages 5 to 15. It is spread through close contact with someone who has strep.

Because strep throat is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are an effective treatment.

When to Seek Medical Care

When you have a sore throat, it’s particularly important to see a provider because strep throat can lead to serious complications, Dr. Romar said.

“Many healthcare offices have rapid testing,” she said. “We can test right there and find out what you have to assist with the diagnosis.

“It’s never a bad idea to call your healthcare provider’s office if you’re not feeling well. They can give you instructions and help you determine whether you need to be seen.”

Looking for a Provider?

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has many providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The StayWell Company, LLC