Upper respiratory infections often mean that you have a cold or the flu. You can't catch a cold from wet feet and you can't get the flu from a flu shot. Colds and flu are contagious diseases passed from one person to the next.

Colds are spread through direct contact with nasal secretions from someone who has a cold. The virus enters your body through your mouth, nose or eyes. If you handle any shared objects, like a telephone or doorknob and then rub your eyes or touch your food directly, you are likely to catch the cold. Washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your face can help prevent colds.

Flu is spread through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes, and is very contagious indoors. For both colds and flu, the more people you are exposed to, the more likely you are to become infected.

Which Is It — Cold or Flu?

Cold — symptoms start gradually, last three to seven days, and include:

    Runny nose
    Sneezing
    Coughing
    Headache
    Sore throat
    Congestion
    Fatigue

Flu — symptoms start suddenly, last one week to 10 days, and include:

    Fever
    Headache
    Aching muscles
    Fatigue
    Coughing
    Congestion

Taking Care of Colds and Flu

Viruses don't respond to antibiotics, therefore they won't cure your cold or flu. Over-the-counter medications will help relieve your symptoms, but you should always follow directions carefully. If you have any health concerns in addition to a cold or flu, check with your doctor before taking medications. If you have the flu, are age 65 or older, have a chronic health condition or begin to have difficulty breathing, call your doctor.

Cold
    Get plenty of rest.
    Drink lots of fluids.

Flu
    Get plenty of rest.
    Drink lots of fluids.
    Take acetaminophen for pain and fever.

Don't give aspirin to anyone younger than age 19. It's linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

When It Gets Worse
At times, complications develop, and a cold or the flu may become bronchitis or pneumonia. These complications are caused by bacterial infections and, unlike colds or flu, will respond to antibiotics.

For either cold or flu, call your doctor if complications develop, such as:
    High fever
    Ear pain
    Severe sore throat
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing up green, yellow or brown mucus