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Is it a Cold or the Flu? - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

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You know the kids are sick but is it cold or flu? Now that it's the season, you'll want to know the difference to keep your family as healthy as they can be.

According to Doctor Holly Phillips, your symptoms will let you know whether it's the common cold or the more serious influenza.

The common cold usually starts with a sore throat lasting 1-2 days. That's followed by a running nose with congestion and a cough by days 4-5. It's worth taking out your thermometer: a common cold rarely causes a fever higher than 101 degrees. The common cold tends to last about a week.

The flu tends to come on very suddenly, and strong! Muscle aches, soreness and severe fatigue are the herald signs. The flu can cause fevers higher than 101 and in children, the fever can get up to 103 degrees. Influenza tends to drag on for 10 days or so.

If you think you have the flu make an appointment to see your doctor. Antiviral medications can help shorten the illness if started right away and complications like pneumonia and bronchitis can be treated most easily when caught early.

Of course, wash your hands often and stay away from people that are sick to stay healthy all season long.

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