A cold and flu might exhibit similar symptoms though they are two different ailments. As for a cold, it is usually an infection in the respiratory system. On that account, you will feel the effects on the nasal region. To avoid the occurrence of a cold, you should wash your hands regularly since it’s contagious. On the flip side, you will get flu through the influenza virus. Additionally, it is severe and requires a flu shot to heal completely. Have a look at the overlapping signs between them in detail:

1. Nasal congestion
It is the most common symptom that you can experience when you have flu or a cold. In that case, your nose gets utterly stuffy. You will try to blow it, but you will not succeed at all. Plus, you might find breathing through the nose quite a challenge. In the end, you might resort to inhaling air through the mouth. Nasal congestion works effectively with decongestants that you can find in the nearby chemist or drug store.

2. Runny nose
A runny nose is utterly uncomfortable when you are around people. Your handkerchiefs will get wet quickly and fill up as well. As you continue to wipe off with tissues, the nose turns red and painful too. Perhaps, hot drinks are the best remedies to relieve the suffering. Alternatively, you can seek treatment using drugs so that you get an immediate reprieve. Over-the-counter medication is the ultimate solution at this time.

3. Dehydration
In addition, the body loses water when you have a clod or flu through mucus and sweating. Thus, your mouth, and eyes will appear dry at all times. What’s more, your skin will have a pale look since you are losing essential fluids. Sometimes, you will feel weak and fatigued due to dehydration. It is advisable to drink warm water so that you can restore liquid to your body. Also, drink natural juices that can help you fight the cold and flu as well.

4. Muscle soreness
You will feel pain and aching in your muscles that result in mobility issues. You can relive the inflammation by ingesting painkillers according to prescription. They include aspirin, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. The drugs will act immediately and ease the affliction that you’re going through.

5. Coughing and sneezing
Cough and cold are complementary; thus, you can expect the symptom in full force. It could be a dry or wet stubborn cough that needs treatment. Besides, you will sneeze from time to time leading to red eyes. Hence, you could try honey as it is a natural and seamless therapy. Alternatively, expectorants will be ideal for calming down all the effects.

6. Headache
It will range from a mild to splitting headache that can make your life unbearable. The pain can result from too much sneezing and coughing alike. Another root cause of the problem is the swelling and pressure in the sinuses. You can only get better if you swallow pain relievers such as acetaminophen.

7. Fever
Your body temperature will exponentially change when you have flu or a cold. Therefore, you can run a moderate or high fever, depending on the disease. It will only go away with the right painkiller from a pharmacist. A home remedy like sponging in lukewarm water is perfect as it will bring down the chills and sweating.