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MentorSanoAcademy

Course › Immunity, colds and allergies

Foundations · 4 min

Flu or common cold: the difference at the counselling desk

A 39 °C fever that came on suddenly, with aches all over. Is it “just a cold”?

Lesson summary

What to remember

  • Flu: sudden onset, high fever, chills, muscle aches.
  • Cold: gradual onset, blocked nose, mild fever.
  • Risk groups (over 65, pregnancy, chronic illness, young children) see a doctor early.
  • Worsening after improvement needs a consultation.

At your next counselling session

With every customer who has a cold, ask: “Did it start suddenly or gradually, and how high was the fever?” If it looks like flu in someone at risk, refer them to a doctor the same day.

Sources

  • CDC — Cold versus flu
  • CDC — Influenza antiviral medications: summary for clinicians
  • ECDC — Factsheet about seasonal influenza