A member asked:
I have a sore throat and a stuffy nose and sore muscles, do i have a cold or the flu? it is cold outside
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Wyattanswered
Family Medicine 28 years experience
Very similar symptom: "colds" and "flu"s are both viral infections that have very similar symptoms as you described - both cause stuffy nose and sore throat and muscles and even fevers. Both should also resolve in 2-5 days. The "flu" that the flu shot prevents is "influenza a or b" - which is much more aggressive - causing sudden onset of very high fevers and muscle aches to the point of unable to get out of bed...
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ronda Alexanderanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 21 years experience
Weather not reason: You can get ill with the flu at any time of the year, not just in winter. Typically, colds and flu are different since the flu will give you the body aches and chills more strongly than a cold.
Both are caused by viruses so antibiotics don't help!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 4, 2020
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