Cold and upper respiratory infection mean the same thing. It is caused by different respiratory viruses that cause sore throat, cough, nasal drainage and congestion, low fever and mild body aches. It will usually last about a week and gradually gets better after 3-4 days. This does not require antibiotics for treatment. A slight cough may persist for two or three weeks with a cold.
Flu is caused by influenza virus and has similar symptoms to a cold, but the symptoms start more suddenly and is associated with high fevers, severe body aches and fatigue. You feel awful, worst cold ever. Antibiotics don’t treat this but there is treatment available that might shorten the length of illness and decrease symptoms. There are some people who need to be treated, but it must start within the first one to two days.
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses and don’t require antibiotics unless it is strep throat. This needs to be treated with antibiotics to prevent certain complications.
Sinus infections and ear infections are usually caused by viruses. If a bacterial source is suspected based on length of illness or symptoms, antibiotics are needed.
If symptoms last 7-10 days, get worse or there is a second illness that presents (getting better then suddenly get worse) this might be an indication for further evaluation and treatment.
See your doctor if:
You are worried it is worse than a cold (it is still probably a cold and does not need antibiotics)
Early, if you think you have the flu and would need to be treated.
If you were getting better, then got sicker
Fever more than 3 days
Very young or old are more susceptible to serious infection
Inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antibacterial resistance strains of bacteria, possible serious adverse reactions, c.diff infections, and the perception that antibiotics are necessary when they are not.
To help prevent and stop the spread of colds and flu: wash your hands, stay home if you have the flu, cover your cough and sneeze, and wash your hands again. Also, get your flu shot.
