Flu or Cold? How to Tell the Difference and When to Seek Help
Nov 10, 2025
That scratchy throat and stuffy nose could mean a cold is settling in, or it might be something worse. The difference between a cold and the flu isn’t always obvious at first, but figuring out which one you have changes how you should respond.
At Peaks Medical and Urgent Care in Dillon, Colorado, we help patients figure out what’s causing their symptoms and whether they need medical treatment. We offer on-site testing, including flu testing, along with X-rays and lab services for accurate diagnosis of more advanced respiratory issues.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu and what you need to know about when your symptoms require urgent care.
Both illnesses come from viruses that attack your respiratory system, but different viruses are responsible for each one.
Colds result from many different virus types. Hundreds of viruses can trigger common cold symptoms, which explains why you can catch multiple colds throughout a single year. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
Influenza comes from specific flu viruses — types A and B cause the seasonal flu outbreaks that happen every year. The flu virus spreads the same way cold viruses do, but it’s more contagious and causes more severe illness.
Colds usually develop gradually over a few days. You might notice a scratchy throat first, followed by nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. The symptoms tend to concentrate in your nose, throat, and sinuses.
Most cold symptoms include:
Cold symptoms typically peak around day three or four and then gradually improve over the next week. Most colds clear up within 7-10 days without needing any specific treatment or advanced medical care.
Flu symptoms appear more suddenly than cold symptoms. You might feel fine in the morning and terrible by afternoon.
The illness affects your whole body. Common flu symptoms include:
The fever and body aches with the flu are typically more intense than what you experience with a cold. Many people with the flu feel too exhausted to get out of bed for several days.
Neither a cold nor the flu responds to antibiotics — they’re both caused by viruses, not bacteria. Your doctor prescribes antibiotics only when a secondary bacterial infection develops.
For colds, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Rest helps your immune system fight the virus. Staying hydrated thins mucus and soothes your throat. Over-the-counter decongestants, pain relievers, and cough medications can ease discomfort while you recover.
For flu, antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) can shorten the duration of your illness and reduce your risk of complications. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Our team can prescribe antivirals if your flu test comes back positive and you're within that window.
You can reduce your risk of both illnesses with some basic habits and preventive measures, such as:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces or around sick people. Avoid touching your face because viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. When you do get sick, disinfect surfaces you touch frequently like doorknobs, light switches, and phones.
The annual flu vaccine offers protection against the most common flu strains circulating each season. While it doesn’t prevent colds, it significantly reduces your risk of getting the flu and developing serious complications. Get vaccinated in early fall before flu season peaks.
When you do get sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. This keeps respiratory droplets from contaminating surfaces and infecting people around you.
If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are from a cold or the flu, or if you’re concerned about how you’re feeling, we can help. At Peaks Medical and Urgent Care, we offer walk-in appointments so you don't have to wait days to see a doctor.
We can test for flu, review your symptoms, and determine the right treatment plan. Early intervention prevents complications and helps you recover faster. Contact us at 970-485-6826 or visit our clinic in Dillon for prompt evaluation and treatment.