Health Guides & Medicine Information
Cold or Flu? How to Tell the Difference and What Helps at Home
When the nights turn cold in Sargodha, coughs, sore throats and blocked noses start moving through homes, schools and offices. Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and they feel similar at first, but flu usually hits harder. Here is how to tell them apart and what actually helps.
Cold vs flu at a glance
| Symptom | Common cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| How it starts | Gradually, over a day or two | Suddenly, often within hours |
| Fever | Rare or mild | Common, often high |
| Body aches | Slight | Strong, with chills |
| Tiredness | Mild | Marked, can last for weeks |
| Runny or blocked nose, sneezing | Very common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Dry and can be severe |
| Usual recovery | About 7 to 10 days | 1 to 2 weeks, cough and tiredness may linger |
Home care that actually helps
- Rest. Your body fights the virus better when you sleep and stay warm.
- Fluids. Warm water, soups and tea with honey keep the throat soothed and prevent dehydration. Do not give honey to babies under one year.
- Salt-water gargles. Warm water with a pinch of salt can ease a sore throat.
- Steam. Inhaling steam can loosen a blocked nose. Take great care with children, as hot water causes burns. A proper steamer and inhaler is safer than a bowl of boiling water.
- Fever and aches. Paracetamol is commonly used. For children, ask your doctor or pharmacist for the right dose, and never give aspirin to a child.
- Runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines such as cetirizine or chlorpheniramine may help, but some cause drowsiness, so avoid driving after taking them.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C does not prevent colds in most people, though taking it regularly may shorten them slightly.
A digital thermometer helps you keep track of the fever. You can also browse our cold and flu range.
Why antibiotics will not help
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics work only against bacteria. Taking them without need will not make you better any faster, and it adds to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing problem in Pakistan. Use an antibiotic only when a doctor prescribes it after examining you.
When to see a doctor
Please get medical advice if you or your child has:
- Trouble breathing, wheezing or chest pain
- A fever lasting more than three days, or one that comes back after improving
- Symptoms that last longer than 10 days without getting better
- A severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing, or ear pain
- Any fever in a baby under three months old
People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, pregnant women and older adults should see a doctor early. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the yearly flu vaccine if you are in one of these groups.
How to avoid catching it
- Wash your hands often, or use a hand sanitiser when soap is not available.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and throw the tissue away.
- Do not share cups, towels or utensils with someone who is ill.
- Stay home while you have a fever, so you do not pass it on.
- Open a window for a few minutes each day to let fresh air in.
If a throat infection, sinus trouble or allergy is behind your symptoms, our throat infection, sinusitis and allergy sections list the medicines your doctor may prescribe, with delivery across Pakistan and cash on delivery.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a doctor. If you are unwell, please see a qualified doctor, and use medicines only as prescribed.