Understanding basic symptom differences between the cold and influenza helps to distinguish which you have. More importantly, you can nutritionally address symptoms.
Which Is It?
The flu (influenza) and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference without special lab tests.
Flu symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Influenza may lead to pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations lasting several weeks. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose that resolves within a week without serious outcomes.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
| Symptoms | Influenza | Cold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom onset | Abrupt | Gradual | |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Common | Mild/ |
|
| Chills | Common | Slight | |
| Headache | Common | Rare | |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Common | |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | |
| Stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common | |
| Aches | Usual | Slight | |
| Fatigue, weakness | Usual | Sometimes | |
| Fever | Usual | Rare |
Table provided by CDC
The flu is a disease caused by a virus. Secondary infection can alter symptoms. If you are coughing up thick green or yellow phlegm, or if you are wheezing, running a fever higher than 101° F (38.3° C), having night sweats, or coughing up blood, you need to see a doctor immediately. These may be signs of a more serious illness that needs to be diagnosed and treated.
Can Soup Cure You?
Certain vitamins bolster our immune system, which fights viruses. Conceivably, with the right ingredients, soup can indirectly help combat symptoms. Tomatoes, for example, are rich in vitamin C, Ginger, radish, garlic, onions, and chili peppers either provide immune-strengthening vitamins or break down congestion. So have a spicy bowl of soup while your amazing body heals itself, and watch for symptoms requiring a physician.
