Flu or cold, you should always be cautious

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - When trying to decipher whether or not you have influenza or a cold, one local health facility said it might be harder than you think.

Officials at API Clinic in Terre Haute said the flu and cold are very similar.

The flu is an infection from an influenza virus.

A common cold is a similar infection with a less severe virus.

The symptoms are almost the same as well.

You can have a runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat and ear ache.

Generally, flu symptoms include extreme exhaustion and a more severe cough and fever.

So, when do you know the difference and visit your doctor?

"Any unexplained fever, a patient should see a doctor,” said Dr. Harish Rathod.  “If you think you have symptoms of flu, fever, runny nose, cough, if you can, com as soon as possible.”

People with asthma or problems with their lungs will show more severe symptoms.