Union Issues

Is it a cold, flu or sinus infection?

The Union Plus Content Team

December 13, 2024

Wondering if you have a cold, the flu or a sinus infection? These conditions have a lot of similarities, but they also have some key differences to help you tell them apart.

Colds

Viruses cause colds. Many different viruses can cause a cold, and rhinoviruses are the most common type. These viruses are easily transmissible from one person to another and often crop up in colder seasons.

Colds can cause a variety of symptoms. You may, or may not, experience them all at once, but common cold symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, congestion, headache, sore throat, coughing, chills or fever (rare symptoms), and slight body aches. Colds can last up to 2 weeks, but according to the CDC, symptoms usually worsen within the first 3 days.

There is no medical cure for a cold. Usually, doctors advise you to wait while you get better on your own cautioning you to rest, stay hydrated, use over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray to ease congestion, and take OTC decongestant medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

The Flu

Like colds, viruses cause flu. Although any one of the four types of influenza viruses may be the cause, the most common flu-causing viruses during flu season in the United States are influenza A and influenza B. Like other viruses, the flu virus also spreads from person to person, mainly through tiny droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes.

The flu affects your respiratory system, causing similar symptoms to a cold, including fever, cough, runny or blocked nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue.

While most people recover from the flu within 2 weeks, it can also lead to more serious complications. These are more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as older adults (ages 65+) and young children. Examples of these complications include pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, worsening of an existing condition such as asthma, or swelling of the heart or brain. If you think you’re developing any of these complications, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. They may be life threatening.

If you aren’t at risk of complications, the flu might go away on its own with OTC medications and plenty of rest and hydration. You might benefit from antiviral drugs, especially if taken within 2 days of symptom onset. One common example is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Antivirals may reduce the severity of symptoms, reduce the length of time you feel sick, and lower your risk of complications.

Sinus Infections

Sinusitis occurs due to fluid building up in your sinuses. Viruses can cause sinusitis, but unlike colds and the flu, certain bacteria may also cause sinus infections. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing sinusitis, like having a cold, allergies or asthma, smoking (if you smoke), and having structural changes in the bone. Sinusitis is not seasonal so you can get this any time of the year.

The symptoms of a sinus infection can mimic those of a cold or flu and include a runny or blocked nose, cough, headache, pain or pressure in the face, postnasal drip, and bad-smelling breath. A sinus infection can last much longer than a cold or flu. Some infections last between 10 days and 8 weeks, while long-lasting (chronic) infections may go on much longer.

If a virus is causing a sinus infection, it will eventually get better on its own. Doctors can treat the symptoms with different medications like antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), decongestants such as Sudafed, and nasal steroids like ciclesonide (Zetonna).

If bacteria are the cause, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil), although this is less common.

Colds, the flu, and sinus infections can all have similar symptoms, however as outlined in this guide, there are key differences between them. At Union Plus, we know how important it is to our union members to keep their families healthy all year round. This guide provides some helpful tips on how to identify your symptoms and provides guidance on treatment plans. If your symptoms are severe or not going away on their own, speak with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan immediately.