Is it a cold or the flu?

Dr. Allana Oak with St. Elizabeth Family Practice in Edgewood says the two viral ailments have similar symptoms at first glance, but the difference is readily apparent.

"Once you've had the flu, you're not going to get the two confused," Oak says.

In terms of intensity, a cold is sort of like stubbing a toe, while the flu is more along the lines of breaking a leg in three places.

Here's a quick guide to symptoms and treatments for colds and flu.

Colds

Symptoms: Symptoms show up over the course of a few days. Stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat are common. Some people might experience a mild or moderate cough. Fever, headache and fatigue are rare.

Duration: Three to five days.

Treating it: Lots of fluids, plus decongestants, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to reduce fever or manage achiness. Don't give children aspirin; it could cause Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication. Take cough medicine if necessary. Clear, hot liquids (such as chicken broth) ease congestion. Because a cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics don't work.

Preventing it: Wash your hands frequently, avoid crowds, dispose of used tissues immediately and keep countertops, cups, etc., clean. There's some debate as to whether zinc or echinacea supplements can help strengthen the immune system enough to keep you well.

Complications: Occasionally, some people develop sinus or ear infections as a result of a cold. If that happens, antibiotics may ease symptoms.

Flu

Symptoms: Symptoms show up suddenly and intensely. Common symptoms are high fever that lasts three to four days, severe headache and achiness, extreme fatigue and exhaustion, and chest discomfort and cough. Stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat are less common and usually mild to moderate.

Duration: Headache and upper respiratory symptoms last a week or longer. Fatigue, achiness and exhaustion can last weeks.

Treating it: Force fluids. Clear, hot liquids (such as chicken broth) can ease congestion. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and achiness. Don't give aspirin to children. Get plenty of rest. The antivirals oseltamivir, zanamavir, rimantadine and amantadine can shorten the duration of symptoms by a day or two. Oseltamivir, rimantadine and amantadine can also prevent flu most of the time if taken immediately after exposure. Antibiotics won't work on viral infections.

Preventing it: Get a flu shot. Wash your hands often, avoid crowds. If you're infected, stay at home to avoid infecting others.

Complications: Pneumonia, especially in the very young, the chronically ill and the elderly. Antibiotics will treat pneumonia, but in some cases, it can be life-threatening.

E-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com.