Cold and Flu: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cold and Flu?
A primary care doctor, a doctor who handles everyday health problems, usually treats colds and the flu. Most people with the flu recover on their own without medical care. Most people with a cold feel better after a week or two. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are colds and flu?
The common cold is a mild infection of your upper respiratory tract, which includes your nose and throat.
The flu, also called influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Sometimes it causes mild illness, but it can also be serious or even deadly.
Symptoms
Cold symptoms usually include:
- Sneezing
- A stuffy nose
- A runny nose
- A sore throat
- Coughing
- A headache
Cold symptoms usually start a few days after you become infected with the virus.
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and may include:
- Fever or feeling feverish, or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue, which means tiredness
Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Causes and who gets it
More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. Cold viruses can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more.
The flu is caused by flu viruses that spread from person to person. When someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, they spray tiny droplets. Some people are more likely to have complications from the flu, including adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and children younger than 5.
How doctors diagnose it
To diagnose the flu, health care providers first take a medical history and ask about your symptoms. Then your provider will swipe the inside of your nose or the back of your throat with a swab. The swab is then tested for the flu virus. Some tests are quick and give results in 15-20 minutes, but these tests are not as accurate as other flu tests.
Treatment
There is no cure for the common cold. But some treatments can make you feel better while you wait for the cold to go away on its own.
- Getting lots of rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Using saline nose drops or sprays
Antibiotics will not help with a cold. Children and teens should not take aspirin. Some cold and cough medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children, so talk with your child's health care provider before giving them any.
People with mild cases of the flu should stay home and avoid contact with others, except to get medical care. Some people need antiviral medicines to treat the flu. Antiviral medicines can make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They usually work best when you start taking them within 2 days of getting sick.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you or your child have symptoms that concern you, such as fast breathing. Also call if you see dehydration, a fever that lasts longer than 4 days, or symptoms that last more than 10 days without improvement.
If you have the flu and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider.
Get medical care right away if you see these warning signs of flu complications. In adults, they include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Seizures are also a warning sign.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child has severe trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, chest pain, fainting, or a sudden change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this is one kind of health care provider you can contact if you have flu symptoms and are very sick or worried about your illness. You can also contact one if cold symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement.
Common questions
Is the flu worse than a cold?
Yes, flu symptoms can be more severe than cold symptoms. Fever is rare with a cold but common with the flu, and aches are slight with a cold but often severe with the flu. Cold symptoms start gradually, while flu symptoms start abruptly.
Do antibiotics help with a cold?
No, antibiotics will not help with a cold. Antibiotics help with bacterial infections, not with viral infections such as colds.
How long does a cold last?
Most people who have a cold feel better after a week or two. Some symptoms can last for 10-14 days.
Can a cold or the flu be prevented?
You may be able to lower your risk of both, but only the flu has a vaccine. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. You may be able to lower your risk of getting or spreading a cold by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. There is no vaccine to protect against the common cold.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Common Cold
- MedlinePlus - Flu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Signs and Symptoms of Flu
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
