What is the Difference Between the Flu and a Cold?
Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. The common cold comes on gradually, rarely causes fever and is usually limited to a sore throat, coughing, sneezing and a stuffy, runny nose. In general, flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense and come on more suddenly. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations. Flu Shots still available at the CLHD: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8am-7:00 p.m. COST : Flu Vaccine $18.00 (Medicare fee). Children under the Texas Vaccine for Children Program $4.00. Pneumococcal Vaccine $28.00. You can also get your flu shot at your doctors office. For more information, please contact the City of Laredo Health Department Immunization Program at (956) 795-4947 or 795-4950. ### Clarissa Range
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Unlike flu, the common cold comes on gradually, rarely causes fever and is usually limited to a sore throat, coughing, sneezing and a stuffy, runny nose. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense and come on more suddenly. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations.
