Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu can save your life. While colds are uncomfortable and make you miserable, flu or influenza can be life-threatening.

A cold starts gradually with sniffles. You may have a mild cough, bronchial pain, a sore throat and stuffy nose. Colds rarely cause fevers.

Influenza or flu, like a cold, affects the respiratory system. You feel lousy and exhausted. Flu begins suddenly. Your chest may hurt, your body will probably ache and you may have a cough, headache or chills. Influenza fevers last three days or more. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, naproxen and decongestants sometimes help.

You’ll recover sooner if you rest. Call in sick to work. Let someone else grocery shop. Don’t go to your child’s basketball game. Seek medical help if you have difficulty breathing, swallowing and a persistent cough, congestion or headache or can’t keep fluids down. If you don’t feel better within three days, become dehydrated or your breathing becomes labored, seek medical attention immediately.

The best way to fight infections is to boost your immune system with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. People who exercise still catch bugs and colds but their symptoms are usually less severe and they recover more rapidly.

Washing your hands often protects you from both colds and flu. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you sneeze or cough and teach your children to do the same. No tissue? Sneeze into the crook of your arm.

Preventing the flu is easier than curing it. Flu vaccinations are still widely available. Get one!

If you have any questions about your cold or flu symptoms or any other health questions, call the Evergreen Healthline at 425-899-3000 or go to www.evergreenhospital.org.

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center staff submitted this article.