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How To Know If Nose Woes Are Flu, Cold Or Allergies

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A signal that you have allergies is when your mucus is clear as opposed to yellow or green, Valdez said. The mucus also tends to be a little bit runnier.

Changes in weather can bring on allergies since there are more irritants in the environment that people may come in contact with, she said. These irritants might cause mild allergies with symptoms including a stuffy nose, scratchy throat or feeling pressure around the eyes. Mild allergies can be taken care of with over-the-counter allergy medications, antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Valdez added that exposure to excessive heat can cause issues with your nose. If you are exposing your nose to too much heat, like when the heater is running nearly continually during cold weather, the heat can dry out the mucosa in your nostrils, causing irritations. Excessive exposure to heat also can cause the mouth and throat to feel dryer because the heat is soaking up moisture that the body needs.

"Sometimes if people dry out their noses too much, this can lead to them having little nose bleeds or when they blow their nose they will notice blood in the mucus and, again, this is because the mucosa inside their nostrils gets so dry and fragile from the heat that little blood vessels will pop," Valdez said. "Usually if this happens, I recommend that patients start to use a nasal saline spray to moisturize their nostrils."

How To Tell If You Have A Cold Or The Flu By Your Symptoms

Each year, millions of Americans get sick with the flu and the common cold. 

Adults get around two to three colds per year while children get six to eight. 

The flu is less common — one in five Americans get the flu each year — but symptoms like fever and fatigue can be more severe with the flu.

Here's how to tell whether you have the flu or a cold and the best way to treat each one.

Symptoms of a cold vs. The flu

The flu and the common cold are both caused by a virus. The flu comes from one of four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C, and D), while colds may come from many different types, one of the most common being rhinoviruses.

You'll usually feel better from a cold after seven to 10 days, while flu symptoms can linger for up to two weeks.

"The cold and the flu have very similar symptoms," says Troy Madsen, MD, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Utah. But there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart:

How to treat a cold

"There are no medications which cure a cold," Madsen says, but there are ways you can treat your symptoms while your body fights off the virus.

Here are a few steps you can take to feel better:

Get enough sleep: "Get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated," Madsen says. This can help keep your immune system working well to fight the virus.

OTC medication: "The cough and congestion with a cold can be miserable and can keep a person from sleeping," Madsen says. So, if you're congested, take a medication like guaifenesin (Mucinex) to break up and clear out the mucus. If you have a fever, Madsen recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol), which also offers pain relief. 

Try tea: "Sore throat may feel better with home remedies like herbal tea and honey, or gargling with warm salty water," says William Curry, MD, a professor of medicine and a general internist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

How to treat the flu

There are antiviral drugs that can help you get over the flu more quickly, but they require a prescription from your doctor. You also need to take them within 48 hours of your symptoms starting in order for them to work.

"I recommend these medications for patients who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or lung diseases," Madsen says. People with these conditions are at greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu like pneumonia.

Healthy people can take antiviral drugs as well, but it will likely only shorten your flu by about one day.

Here are a few ways to help relieve flu symptoms:

Bring down a fever by taking a painkiller like acetaminophen or by placing cold, wet washcloths on your forehead or wrists.

Ease muscle aches by getting lots of rest, avoiding exercise, and taking drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Stay well hydrated with water or rehydrating drinks like Pedialyte. "The muscle aches and weakness are much worse if you get dehydrated from the fever and lack of appetite," Curry says.

Taking a medication like dextromethorphan (Robitussin) or NyQuil can reduce coughing and help you fall asleep.

When to see a doctor for cold or flu symptoms

Most cold and flu infections aren't dangerous, but "both colds and the flu can result in complications, such as pneumonia," especially for people over 65 or younger than two, Madsen says. It can also be more dangerous for people with compromised immune systems and those with chronic lung disease.

Here are some signs that you may need medical attention:

Shortness of breath. "If you're having difficulty breathing you should go to the emergency department for a chest X-ray to look for pneumonia," says Madsen.

Severe weakness. "If it's becoming difficult to perform daily tasks due to this weakness you may also need to go to the emergency department for laboratory testing and IV fluids," Madsen says.

Abnormal fever. "If your fever resolves and then after a day or two comes back, that could mean a bacterial infection on top of the influenza," Curry says. Bacterial infections like a sinus infection often require prescription antibiotics, so it's important to talk to your doctor.

Persistent pain. Sinus, throat, or ear pain that starts suddenly or doesn't get better after a few days can be a sign of a bacterial infection.

Lingering cough. If you have a cough that continues for more than a week after your other symptoms go away, this can also be a sign of bacterial infection.

You aren't getting better. Most people recover from the flu within two weeks, so if you're still sick after this time, you may want to call your doctor.

Insider's takeaway

Colds and the flu can look similar, but symptoms like a bad cough, chills, and muscle aches may be a sign that you have the flu. 

There are some medications that can decrease the duration of the flu, but in most cases, your best option is to relieve the symptoms and give your body time to fight off the infection, whether it's a cold or the flu. 

If you have any severe or abnormal reactions like shortness of breath, it's best to call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

7 Doctor-recommended Methods To Treat And Relieve Flu Symptoms

Each flu season, about 8% of the US population gets sick from influenza, a common viral infection that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. 

The flu can cause mild to severe symptoms including cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, fever, and chills. 

You should start to feel better in five to seven days, but in the meantime here are seven of the most effective treatments and remedies for flu symptoms, according to doctors.

Important: If you're in a high-risk group, track your flu symptoms closely and see a doctor if they worsen after a few days. "The flu can be dangerous, particularly for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. In extreme cases, the flu can result in pneumonia and other severe medical issues," says Leann Poston, MD, the medical advisor for Impakt Fitness.

1. Stay hydrated

If you've had the flu in the past, your doctor has probably recommended getting plenty of fluids — and with good reason: Your body needs more water when you're fighting off an illness. 

A fever can cause dehydration, says Poston, and being dehydrated will only worsen any fatigue you experience.

Drinking more fluids can also thin out any mucus in your nasal passages and help ease congestion.

For daily fluid intake, which includes the water you get from foods as well as beverages, The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommends: 

125 fluid ounces (3.7 liters) for men

91 fluid ounces (2.7 liters) for women

When you're sick, you may want to increase this by 2 to 3 cups. Edo Paz, MD, VP of Medical at K Health, advises letting your thirst be your guide. 

Keep in mind that not all fluids are created equal. Poston recommends water, herbal tea, clear broth, warm lemon water with honey, and juice with no added sugar. When you're sick, it's generally best to avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated soda.

2. Get some rest

Getting enough rest is the single most important thing you can do when getting over the flu, says Poston. 

Sleep supports your immune system, allowing your body to dedicate more energy and resources to fighting off the virus. 

Additionally, research suggests that not getting enough sleep can actually increase your odds of getting sick, so rest may also be a strategy for flu prevention.

Make sure you're getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and if you're fatigued during the day, it's OK to take naps, says Paz.

Quick tip: If you're congested, try sleeping with an extra pillow. Elevating your head can help clear nasal passages by encouraging mucus to drain, says Poston.

3. Try over-the-counter medications to treat pain and fever

Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can be taken to ease certain flu symptoms, like fever, body aches, throat pain, and headache. 

Acetaminophen is typically what medical experts recommend because it can help reduce fevers. That said, it's not recommended for anyone with liver problems, as some of the medication is converted into a byproduct that's toxic to the liver and, if your liver isn't functioning normally, it can build up in the body. 

Important: Be careful when combining over-the-counter pain relievers with other flu medications, or any products designed for multi-symptom relief. Since these may also contain acetaminophen or an NSAID, you might end up taking too large of a dose — more than 4,000 mg/day for a healthy adult. Read labels carefully to make sure you aren't taking multiple products with the same ingredients. If you're ever unsure about the ingredients in a product, check with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Just know some research suggests that while fever-reducing drugs may make you temporarily feel better, they won't actually help you get better. Fevers are your body's natural response to infection, after all. 

"A low-grade fever can help your immune system fight the flu virus. It's best to ask your doctor when you should treat a fever," says Paz.

4. Take a warm bath

A warm bath can be immensely soothing for sore, achy muscles. 

"Try adding Epsom salt and baking soda to your bath to further reduce body aches, or you can add some drops of tea tree, juniper, rosemary, thyme, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus essential oils to help clear nasal passages," says Poston.

Important: Avoid adding essential oils directly to a bath. Oil doesn't blend with water easily, so the oil can float on the water and irritate your skin. Always mix your oil of choice with a carrier oil first. You can add this blend to the running water so it mixes well.  

Since a warm bath can also help to induce drowsiness — helping you get the good night's sleep your body needs to fight off the flu — this could be a great addition to your bedtime routine, says Poston.

5. Gargle salt water

Struggling with a sore throat? A salt water gargle is a natural home remedy that's safe, affordable, and convenient, not to mention especially effective for viral infections like the flu. 

Salt water gargles don't just provide immediate relief by easing pain and loosening mucus. The salt crystals also help dislodge viruses and bacteria. A small 2019 study of patients with a sore throat found that those who gargled with salt water experienced a significant decrease in self-reported pain after one week.

Give it a try by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle with this solution several times a day.

You can also try sucking on mentholated cough drops or using herbal and over-the-counter throat sprays to ease the pain from a sore throat, says Poston.

6. Use a humidifier

If the air in your home is too dry, it can irritate your nasal passages and throat, but a portable humidifier can offer some relief.

"Humid air can help loosen congestion and soothe a sore throat and nose. It also creates an inhospitable environment for influenza, which prefers a dry climate," says Poston.

Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the water in the humidifier may help with clearing sinuses, according to Poston. Remember to change the water daily to prevent the growth of bacteria. 

If you don't have a humidifier, try a hot shower instead — the steam can help moisturize your dry nasal passages and ease muscle aches.

A 2010 study also suggests that portable humidifiers can help decrease the survival rate of the airborne influenza virus. 

7. Try nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation devices — like neti pots and bulb syringes — are considered a safe and common treatment for infections of the respiratory tract, such as the flu. 

Not only can these saline nasal rinses help alleviate symptoms by moistening nasal passages, but they can also clear out clogged nasal passages so you can breathe more easily. 

"Rinsing the nasal passages with warm salt water can also encourage virus particles and bacteria to flow from your nose," says Poston.

Give it a try: 

Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm distilled, sterile, or boiled water. 

Tip your head to one side. 

Using a bulb syringe or neti pot, pour water into one nostril. 

Lightly hold your other nostril closed from the outside and let the water drain out. 

Repeat two to three times, then treat the other nostril.

Important: With any nasal irrigation device, always use distilled, sterile, or water previously boiled for three to five minutes and then cooled for safety reasons. Tap water may contain low levels of bacteria and protozoa that can survive in nasal passages and cause serious infections.

If you're immunocompromised, check with your doctor before using a sinus rinse device.

When to see a doctor

For some cases of flu, it's best to seek advice from a doctor or other healthcare professional. 

A few signs it's time to connect with your doctor: 

Symptoms that suggest a secondary bacterial infection such as ear pain, difficulty breathing, or fever or headache that won't go away

A sore throat that lasts longer than three to five days

Wheezing

A stiff neck

Symptoms that get worse, not better

Difficulty drinking or keeping down fluids

Dizziness

Weakness

Chest pain

People older than 65, those who are immunocompromised, and those living with chronic diseases are at higher risk of complications from the flu, says Paz. If you are in a high-risk group and have flu symptoms, call your doctor as soon as possible.

You should also call a doctor immediately if an infant under three months has a rectal temperature over 100.4 °F, or a child under the age of 2 has a persistent fever, says Paz.

Insider's takeaway

As a general rule, it's best to connect with your doctor if you think you have the flu. 

"If they test you within the first 24 hours or so, your doctor may start you on antiviral medications to shorten the course of your illness," Paz says.

However, you can often manage the flu at home with a wide variety of treatments and remedies. 

Over-the-counter pain medications, warm baths, salt water gargles, and a humid environment can help alleviate symptoms as you're on the road to recovery.

Rebecca Strong

Freelance Writer

Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer and podcast host covering health and wellness, lifestyle, beauty, and travel. In addition to writing for Business Insider Reviews, she has also contributed to Health.Com, Healthline, Men's Health, Bustle, Well+Good, StyleCaster, PopSugar, Eat This Not That, and AskMen. In April 2024, she appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show to discuss one of her Business Insider articles for Drew's "It's Trending!" segment. You can tune into her podcast Well-Bent on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or follow along on Twitter and Instagram. Read more Read less

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