Contact Us
 
Find a Doctor
I'm looking for
I'm looking for
Doctor's office
Enter your doctor's name to get office information.
Labs
Find labs in your network
Enter your primary care doctor's name to find labs in your network.
Urgent care centers
Find urgent care centers in your network
Enter your primary care doctor's name to find urgent care centers in your network.
Medical Services
Medical Services
Health Insurance
Classes and Events
Health and Medical
Wellness and Fitness
Community Classes
Pregnancy and Parenting
Seniors and Aging
For Professionals
FollowMyHealth®
Driving Directions
Print
Cart
Update Information

Cancel

Save

Forgot Password

Please enter your e-mail address.

Sharp Health News

Is it a cold or the flu? (infographic)

Dec. 4, 2015 by

Coughing, headache and fatigue: these common symptoms may indicate the common cold, or a more serious case of influenza. Although they have some of the same warning signs, cold and flu should be treated differently. Dr. Rachel Klein of Sharp Rees-Stealy has some words of wisdom for you if you're wondering whether to call the doctor.

Is it a cold or the flu? (infographic). A cold is relatively harmless, but the flu can lead to more serious complications. Learn the signs and symptoms of both so you know when to seek appropriate treatment. Symptoms of a cold include the following: Low or no fever (Children can have high fevers – up to 103F – with certain non-flu viruses that cause a cold. For any fever in a newborn less than three months of age, contact your doctor immediately.) Sometimes a headache. Stuffy, runny nose. Sneezing. Mild, hacking cough. Slight aches and pains. Sore throat. Normal energy level. Symptoms of the flu include the following: Fever of 101F or higher. Always a headache. Clear nose. Sometimes sneezing. Often severe cough. Severe aches and pains. Sometimes a sore throat. Extreme exhaustion. It’s important to know when to call the doctor. Call the doctor if an adult exhibits any of the following: Confusion. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Improvement, but then a return of symptoms with fever and worse cough. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Sudden dizziness. Severe or persistent vomiting. Call the doctor if a child exhibits any of the following: A fever higher than 104F in children under three months of age. Irritability, not wanting to be held. Bluish or gray skin color. Fast breathing or trouble breathing. Improvement, but then a return of symptoms with fever and worse cough. Not drinking enough fluids. Not waking up or not interacting. Severe or persistent vomiting. “While colds may be a nuisance, they generally do not cause significant problems in healthy people,” says Dr. Rachel Klein, an internal medicine physician and pediatrician with Sharp Rees-Stealy. “The flu can cause much more severe consequences even if you’re healthy, so stay protected and get your flu shot.”

View the printable version of this infographic.

You might also like:

5 ways to save time in the morning

5 ways to save time in the morning

Tired of busy, stressful mornings? These 5 tips can help.

Aug. 21 2018

What's your risk of heart disease?

What's your risk of heart disease?

Heart disease is the number one killer of women — are you at risk?

Aug. 20 2018

Walking for Wellness

Walking for wellness

Bunni keeps a spring in her step with the Grossmont Mall Walkers.

Aug. 20 2018

Choose the doctor who's right for you.

At Sharp, we make it easy to find an exceptional doctor — right where you live and work.

Get started

All Categories
Contact Sharp HealthCare
Call us

1-800-827-4277

If this is a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Email us

Please do not use this form to convey personal or medical information.

How would you like to be contacted?
Date of Birth
Optional

Find other numbers

View our phone directory

What's This?

These important numbers are located on your billing statement.

Find your SHC#
SHC Number

Find your account number
Account Number

Lung Cancer Screening

Should you get a lung cancer screening? Answer a few simple questions to find out.

Have you ever smoked cigarettes?
Are you on Medicare or a Medicare HMO?