Cold vs. Flu
By: Maria Asprilla, D.O.
Colds and the flu most often occur around the same time
of year and both have unpleasant symptoms, so it can be
hard to differentiate between the two. However, it is important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms to determine
the best course of treatment.
The most common symptoms of a cold are within the
respiratory system and include a stuffy or runny nose,
sneezing, cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these
symptoms is available through over the counter medication
designed to target various symptoms of a cold:
• Antihistamines can help control symptoms such as a
running nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
• Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain,
fever and inflammation.
• Expectorants loosen mucus from the respiratory tract,
alleviating chest congestion and discomfort.
About the Author: Maria Asprilla, DO, a member of the medical staff,
graduated medical school from the University of North Texas Health Science
Center in Fort Worth, and completed her residency at HCA Plaza Medical
Center. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and practices at Lone
Star Express Care.
To find a physician close to you, visit
Weatherford Regional Medical Center’s online Physician Directory at
WeatherfordRegional.com/Physicians
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
• Anti-nausea medications help with stomach discomfort
and vomiting.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain,
fever and inflammation.
• Prescription antiviral medicines shorten the duration of
As with a cold, if symptoms persist longer than three to
five days, or become increasingly severe, see a physician
about the possibility of the flu developing into a more severe
illness. The flu can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia,
particularly in patients who are older or have compromised
immune systems, and may require more intense medical
treatment or even hospitalization.
The best way to avoid contracting the flu is to get an
annual flu shot. The virus changes every year, so see your
doctor each flu season to get immunized to help minimize
or avoid these symptoms altogether.
Unfortunately, there is no immunization against the cold,
but washing your hands frequently, not touching your face
with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who
have a cold can be a strong defense.
Both the cold and flu can make you feel miserable
and cause you to miss school or work. With some extra
hand-washing and a flu shot, you can improve your chances of avoiding both this season.
Illness and injury are never convenient. But Lone Star
Express Care is just that. Patients can get walk-in attention for common health problems including: cold and flu
symptoms, ear and throat infections, minor bumps and
cuts, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes, simple sprains and
strains, and bladder infections.
Lone Star Express Care can also provide the convenience of an on-site laboratory, X-ray services, and more.
We’re backed by all the resources of Weatherford Regional
Medical Center, and accept most insurance, including
Medicare. There is no emergency/urgent care physician
office co-pay for an Express Care visit - regular office visit
rates apply. For more information, please call 817-489-7400
or visit LoneStarPhysicians.com.
NOVEMBER 2015
The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids to
stay hydrated, use over the counter drugs and monitor for
symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, they may have developed into an advanced
respiratory illness in the form of an ear infection, sinus
infection or bronchitis. In the event that a cold advances into
a more serious condition, seek treatment from your doctor.
While a cold generally attacks the respiratory system,
the flu can impact the entire body and influence multiple
systems. Symptoms of the flu often include a fever between
100 F and 104 F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea. If it is mild, the flu can be treated with
rest, fluids and over the counter medication targeting the
symptoms. If the flu is more severe, a doctor may prescribe
antiviral medication. Over the counter and prescription treatments can help treat the symptoms:
the flu, but usually help only if taken within the first day or
two of developing symptoms.
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