Colds and Flu
Learn about colds and flu
You're sneezing, coughing, aching, and tired. Having a cold or the flu is miserable! But you can treat the symptoms. Cold symptoms tend to get worse over a few days. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms and come on faster. For either illness, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids to feel better.
Cold and flu viruses spread easily in the late fall and winter. Wash your hands often to protect yourself from catching and spreading a cold or the flu. You can lower your risk of catching the flu by getting the flu vaccine every year. If you do catch a cold or the flu, try to stay away from others to avoid spreading the disease.
Get the information you need in our cold and flu topics, such as:
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Colds -
Influenza (Seasonal Flu) -
Sore Throat and Other Throat Problems -
Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older -
Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
7 Reasons You May Need a COVID-19 Viral Test Acetaminophen Acute Bronchitis Allergic Rhinitis Antihistamines Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Colds Common Questions About the Flu Vaccine Coronavirus (COVID-19) Coughs, Age 11 and Younger Coughs, Age 12 and Older COVID-19 or Flu? How to Tell COVID-19 Vaccine for Children COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know COVID-19: Advice if You're Planning a Pregnancy, Pregnant, Recently Pregnant, or Breastfeeding COVID-19: Caring for Someone Who Is Sick COVID-19: People Who Are at High Risk for Serious Illness Deciding to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Decongestants Difference Between the Flu and a Cold Ear Infections Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older Fever Temperatures: Accuracy and Comparison Flu Complications Gastroenteritis in Adults and Older Children Hand-Washing Influenza (Seasonal Flu) Long COVID Making It Easier to Wear a Mask to Help Prevent Infections Pneumonia Quick Tips: 10 Things to Do if You Have COVID-19 Quick Tips: 9 Things to Do if You've Been Exposed to COVID-19 Quick Tips: Safely Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children Relieving a Cough Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine: What You Need to Know Saline Nasal Washes for Sinusitis Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Sinusitis Sore Throat and Other Throat Problems Tonsillitis Understanding Virtual Care (Telemedicine) Using a Pulse Oximeter Vaccine to Prevent COVID-19 Vaccines to Prevent the Flu
Lung Function Tests Throat Culture Viral Test for COVID-19 Viral Tests
Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?
Current as of: June 12, 2023
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