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Patient Instructions

Symptoms of the common cold are a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms. Many different germs, called viruses, cause colds.

The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and (sometimes) lungs caused by the influenza virus.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of your cold or flu.

What are the symptoms of a cold? What are the symptoms of the flu? How can I tell them apart?

• Will I have a fever? How high? How long will it last? Can a high fever be dangerous?
• Will I have a cough? Sore throat? Runny nose? Headache? Other symptoms? How long will these symptoms last? Will I be tired or achy?
• How will I know if I have an ear infection?
• How will I know if I have pneumonia?

Can I make other people sick? How can I prevent that? What should I do if I have a young child at home? How about somebody who is older?

When will I start to feel better?

What should I eat or drink? How much?

What medicines can I buy at the store to help with the symptoms?

• Can I take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol)? How about cold medicines?
• Are there stronger medicines that my doctor can prescribe to help the symptoms?
• Are there vitamins or herbs that will make my cold or flu go away quicker? How do I know if they are safe?

Will antibiotics make my symptoms go away faster?

Are there other medicines that can make the flu go away faster?

How can I keep from getting a cold or the flu?

• Should I get a flu shot? What time of year should I get one? Do I need one or two every year? What are the risks of the flu shot? What are the risks for me if I do not get a flu shot?
• Will a flu shot keep me from getting colds all year long?
• Does my smoking or being around smokers cause me to get the flu more easily?
• Are there vitamins or herbs that I can take to prevent the flu?

What to ask your doctor about colds and the flu - adult; Influenza - what to ask your doctor - adult; Upper respiratory infection - what to ask your doctor - adult; URI - what to ask your doctor - adult

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.