Is it a Cold or Flu

Your nose is stuffy, your headaches, and your throat hurts. Is it a cold or flu, and what does this mean for your scheduled appointment or Varicose Vein Treatments at Indiana Vein Specialists?

With so much flu going around, many of our patients have questions like: “Should I come in for my appointment if I have a cold or flu?” “Will I be billed for missing a scheduled appointment on short notice? Or “How long will it take for me to re-schedule?”

Dr. Jeffery Schoonover, Chief Medical Director at Indiana Vein Specialists, shared these insights. “Influenza and the other related upper respiratory illnesses are in full bloom this year and we encourage all of our patients to get the flu shot per their primary care providers guidance. If our patients need to reschedule due to an acute illness, just let us know. We are glad to reschedule your appointment after you are feeling better and our front office team will adjust any follow-ups accordingly.”

Remember that the flu can be spread from the day before you exhibit any symptoms until about seven days after. So, it’s important to stay home during this time unless you’re seeking medical treatment.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have very serious associated complications.

Is it a Cold or Flu

Is it a Cold or Flu?  Please refer to the following chart from the CDC as a helpful guide.

How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can tell if a person has the flu.

What are the symptoms of the flu versus the symptoms of a cold?

The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling: feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems.

We hope you feel better!

Just remember, if you feel like you have a cold or flu, call our office at 317-348-3020 to reschedule your appointment or to ask us any questions.  We hope you feel better soon!