Flu Care at Stamford Health

Let us help you stay healthy and well

We understand no one wants to face the flu, but you shouldn’t have to dread the fall and winter months, either. That’s why the Stamford Health Infectious Disease team fights the flu. It’s our goal to always offer you and the greater community practical and updated information, from busting myths to answering common questions about symptoms and prevention.

The Flu. vs. the Cold

The symptoms are there. But is it the flu or the cold? While many symptoms of the common cold are similar to those of the flu or H1N1 (swine flu), it’s important to know the difference. Often, flu symptoms are more severe. See below for a helpful breakdown:

SYMPTOM
COLD
FLU
Fever Rare (100-102 degrees F), may last 3-4 days
Headache Rare Usually
Body aches, pains Slight Severe
Fatigue Mild Severe, may last 2-3 weeks
Weakness Not Common Yes
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Sometimes Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Cough Sometimes Common, can be severe
Chills & sweats Not common Sometimes
Vomiting Not common Sometimes
Diarrhea Not common Sometimes
Complications

Sinus congestion

Earache

Bronchitis

Pneumonia

Can be life threatening

Flu Education and Prevention

The old saying holds true: there’s no cure for the common cold. In most cases, the virus just needs to run its course. In severe cases, however, we recommend seeking medical attention so it doesn’t develop into pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection of the lungs that can follow either the cold or the flu.