Colds and the flu - what to ask your doctor - adult: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Many different germs, called viruses, cause colds. Symptoms of the common cold include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
P The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.
P Many flu symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Flu symptoms can also include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
P Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your cold or flu.

T Questions
P What are the symptoms of a cold? What are the symptoms of the flu? How can I tell them apart?
- Will I have a fever? How high? How long will it last? Can a high fever be dangerous?
- Will I have a cough? Sore throat? Runny nose? Headache? Other symptoms? How long will these symptoms last? Will I be tired or achy?
- How will I know if I have an ear infection?
- How will I know if I have pneumonia?
P Can I make other people sick? How can I prevent that? What should I do if I have a young child at home? How about somebody who is older?
P When will I start to feel better?
P What should I eat or drink? How much?
P What medicines can I buy to help with my symptoms?
- Can I take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol)? How about cold medicines?
- Can my provider prescribe stronger medicines to help improve my symptoms?
- Can I take vitamins or herbs to make my cold or flu go away quicker? How do I know if they are safe?
P Will antibiotics make my symptoms go away faster?
P Are there other medicines that can make the flu go away faster?
P How can I keep from getting a cold or the flu?
- Should I get a flu shot? What time of year should I get one? Do I need one or two flu shots every year? What are the risks of the flu shot? What are the risks for me if I do not get a flu shot? Does the regular flu shot protect against swine flu?
- Is a flu shot safe for me if I am pregnant?
- Will a flu shot keep me from getting colds all year long?
- Can smoking or being around smokers cause me to get the flu more easily?
- Can I take vitamins or herbs to prevent the flu?

T Alternative Names
P What to ask your doctor about colds and the flu - adult; Influenza - what to ask your doctor - adult; Upper respiratory infection - what to ask your doctor - adult; URI - what to ask your doctor - adult; H1N1 (Swine) flu - what to ask your doctor - adult

T Images
- Cold remedies

T References
P Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Updated October 26, 2017. Accessed January 2, 2018.
P Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. The flu: what to do if you get sick. www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm. Updated February 14, 2017. Accessed January 2, 2018.
P Hayden FG. Influenza. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 364.
P Turner RB. The common cold. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 361.

T Read More
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Avian influenza
- Common cold
- Cough
- Fever
- Flu
- H1N1 influenza (Swine flu)
- Immune response
- Pneumonia - adults (community acquired)
- Stuffy or runny nose - children

T Patient Instructions
- Colds and the flu - what to ask your doctor - child
- Pneumonia in children - discharge

T Review Date 11/20/2017
P Updated by: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

T Related MedlinePlus Health Topics
- Common Cold
- Flu

