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Key points
- Cold, flu, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies can have similar symptoms.
- Rest, fluids and nutritious food are the best ways to support your immune system and shorten the time you feel sick.
- Antibiotics do not treat cold, flu, COVID or seasonal allergies.
- Take steps to increase comfort & support your immune system.
Review the FAQ below to learn about what steps to take to feel better faster.
The most common questions about cold and flu
How do I know what type of virus I have?
Coronavirus, flu and the common cold are caused by viruses. Each virus is different, but the symptoms they cause can be very similar. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Seasonal allergies are very common and share many of these same characteristics.
The table below can help narrow down the cause of your symptoms, but is not a tool for diagnosis. Contact your health-care provider or the Consulting Nurses at Hall Health if you have questions or concerns.
How can I treat my symptoms?
Cold, flu and other viral illnesses do not get better with antibiotics. Your immune system is your best resource for getting better. Antibiotics can make things worse if you take them when you don’t need to.
Your immune system is how your body fights illness. Supporting your immune system is the most important way to get you feeling better.
Seasonal allergies, which can cause cold-like symptoms, can get better on their or with medication.
How do I support my immune system?
- Stay hydrated. Fluids, like warm broth and rehydration drinks, are especially good because they replace minerals your body needs that are lost through fever and sweat.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating protein regularly, such as nuts, seeds, meat, fish, eggs and cheese, helps your immune system. The UW Campus Food Pantry offers many of these protein sources.
- Get lots of rest. If you have severe symptoms, you may need to stay home and rest for up to three weeks or more.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs, including smoking and vaping.
How do I treat my symptoms?
The following symptoms are normal when your body is fighting off a virus:
- Body aches
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Coughing
Some people get stomachaches and diarrhea, too.
To help you rest and recover, consider treating your symptoms using one of the options in the table below. Usually there is no medical reason to treat your symptoms except to make you feel more comfortable.
These medications are available over-the-counter at a pharmacy, including at the Hall Health Pharmacy. Ask pharmacy staff for help choosing a medication. The generic versions of these drugs are just as effective and cost less. Note that some medications, including certain decongestants, may be stored behind the pharmacy counter.
Should I worry about my fever?
A fever means that your body is working hard to defeat a virus. Cough and sore throat are due to irritation from the virus.
Keep an oral thermometer at home. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a fever. You will be asked about your temperature if you call your health care provider.
Very high fevers can be normal, especially with flu and COVID-19. Taking a medication to lower your fever will help you rest so you can get better but does not treat the underlying cause.
Call your health-care provider if you have a fever and shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t take a full breath or run out of breath more quickly than usual). You should also see a doctor right away if you have a fever of 102ºF or more.
