Flu (Influenza) & Common Cold in Teens

TeenThreads real talk: The flu and the common cold both show up like unwanted group-project partners. But they’re not the same. One is usually annoying. The other can hit like a truck and lead to serious complications—especially if you have asthma or other health conditions.

This page is educational, not a diagnosis. If you’re worried, getting checked is a power move, not a panic move.

Other Name(s)

Flu = influenza (caused by influenza viruses) (CDC — Flu)
Seasonal flu (typical yearly strains) (CDC — Flu Season)
Common cold (usually rhinoviruses; many possible viruses) (MedlinePlus — Common Cold)
URI = upper respiratory infection (umbrella term that can include colds) (Cleveland Clinic — Upper Respiratory Infection)

Flu & Cold vs Similar Things (quick differences)

Flu often comes on fast and hits harder (fever, body aches, major fatigue). (CDC — Flu Symptoms)
Cold is usually milder and more “head-focused” (runny nose, sore throat, sneezing). (MedlinePlus — Common Cold)
COVID-19 can look like either; testing may be needed depending on local guidance. (CDC — Respiratory Viruses)
Allergies cause itching/sneezing but usually no fever and no body aches. (MedlinePlus — Allergy)
Strep throat can cause severe sore throat/fever; needs a test + antibiotics if positive. (CDC — Strep Throat)

Normal vs Abnormal (what’s typical vs “get help”)

Normal (often)

Mild cold symptoms that improve over several days
Low fever for a short time with a viral illness
Tiredness that improves with rest and fluids

Not normal / needs attention

Breathing trouble, chest pain, or worsening wheezing (especially if you have asthma)
High fever that won’t come down or lasts several days
Severe dehydration (very dark pee, dizziness, can’t keep fluids down)
Symptoms that improve, then suddenly get worse again (possible complication like pneumonia)
Confusion, extreme weakness, or “something feels seriously wrong”

Emergency: If someone is struggling to breathe, turning bluish, severely confused, or has severe chest pain — call emergency services.

Types (and Basic Differences)

Flu (Influenza)

Influenza A (often causes larger outbreaks; changes more)
Influenza B (also seasonal; can still be rough)
“Stomach flu” is usually not flu — it’s often viral gastroenteritis (different illness). (CDC — Flu vs Cold)

Common Cold

Caused by many viruses (often rhinoviruses), which is why you can catch “a cold” multiple times a year. (MedlinePlus — Common Cold)

Causes (what’s really happening)

Flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect your nose/throat (and sometimes lower airways).
They spread through droplets and tiny particles in the air, plus hands-to-face contact after touching contaminated surfaces. (CDC — Flu vs Cold)

Risk Factors

Close contact settings: schools, buses, sports teams, crowded events
Not enough sleep (your immune system hates that)
Stress overload
Underlying conditions (like asthma) increase risk of complications from flu. (CDC — People at Higher Risk)

Who is Vulnerable/Susceptible?

Teens with asthma or chronic conditions
Immunocompromised teens
Teens who can’t easily stay home when sick (work, caregiving, limited support)

Complications (why the flu can be serious)

Pneumonia
Worsening asthma symptoms / asthma attacks
Sinus or ear infections (more common after colds too)
Dehydration

TeenThreads take: “I’m young so I’m invincible” is a myth. Most teens recover fine, but complications happen—especially when people push through sickness with no rest. (CDC — Higher Risk)

Prevention (future-you strategy)

Flu shot: the best yearly protection against influenza (especially to reduce severe illness). (CDC — Prevent Flu)
Hand hygiene: wash hands, especially before eating or touching your face.
Stay home when sick: not “weak,” just considerate and smart.
Cover coughs/sneezes and avoid sharing drinks/vapes.
Sleep: your immune system’s cheat code.

How It Develops (the “timeline”)

You’re exposed (school, friends, family, shared air/space).
Virus starts multiplying before you even feel it.
Symptoms show up (cold = gradual; flu = often sudden and intense). (CDC — Flu vs Cold)
Your immune system fights back → fever, aches, fatigue.
Most recover, but some develop complications (watch warning signs).

Common Symptoms

Flu (Influenza) symptoms often include

Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Body aches
Big fatigue (“I can’t even” tired)
Cough
Sore throat
Headache

Source: CDC — Flu Symptoms

Common cold symptoms often include

Runny/stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Mild cough
Mild tiredness

Source: MedlinePlus — Common Cold

What Other Problems Can Cause This?

COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses (CDC — Respiratory Viruses)
Strep throat (CDC — Strep Throat)
Mono (infectious mononucleosis)
Allergies (MedlinePlus — Allergy)
Sinus infection (especially if symptoms persist/worsen)

Diagnosis and Tests

Most colds are diagnosed by symptoms and time course.
Clinics may do tests for flu/COVID depending on symptoms and season.
Strep throat is diagnosed with a rapid test or culture. (CDC — Strep Testing)

Treatment and Therapies (what actually helps)

For colds

Rest + fluids
Symptom relief (warm liquids, honey for cough if age-appropriate, saline nasal spray)
Time (most colds improve within about a week, though cough can linger)

For flu

Rest + fluids + symptom relief
Some people may benefit from antiviral medication if started early—ask a clinician. (CDC — Flu Treatment)
If you have asthma or other chronic conditions, tell your clinician—risk is different. (CDC — Higher Risk)

Important: Antibiotics do NOT treat viruses like flu or colds. Antibiotics are only for bacterial infections. (CDC — Antibiotic Use)

Statistics & Reality

Flu causes seasonal waves every year and can lead to serious illness, even in younger people, though risk is higher in certain groups. (CDC — Burden of Flu)
Colds are extremely common because many different viruses cause them. (MedlinePlus — Common Cold)

Alternative/Complementary Supports (safe, evidence-friendly)

Hydration + sleep
Humidifier or warm showers (help congestion)
Saline rinses/sprays for nasal symptoms
Lozenges/warm tea; honey for cough (if not allergic and age-appropriate)

Heads up: Be careful with “miracle cures.” If a product claims it “cures flu overnight,” that’s a red flag.

Cost of Treatment and/or Management

Most colds are managed at home with low-cost symptom relief.
Clinic visits/tests can cost more depending on insurance.
Flu antivirals may be prescribed in certain cases and cost varies by coverage. (CDC — Flu Treatment)

Does Insurance Generally Cover Treatment?

Many insurance plans cover flu vaccines and medically necessary visits; coverage varies by plan and country.

Prognosis

Cold: usually mild and self-limited; cough may linger.
Flu: most teens recover, but some get complications; early care matters if symptoms are severe or you’re high risk. (CDC — Higher Risk)

What Happens if No Treatment?

Colds usually improve, but pushing through can prolong symptoms and spread illness to others.
Flu can worsen and lead to complications, especially if you ignore warning signs.

Related Images (hyperlinks)

CDC — Flu images & resources

Survival Rate / Mortality Rate

Most teens recover from colds and flu, but flu causes deaths each year, especially among higher-risk groups. (CDC — Burden of Flu)

Palliative Care

Not typically applicable. Focus is on symptom relief, hydration, rest, and monitoring for complications.

Living with Flu/Colds (teen-life survival tips)

Rest like it’s your job (your immune system needs it)
Drink fluids (dehydration makes everything worse)
Don’t share drinks/vapes (spreads viruses fast)
Ask for school support if you’re sick (make-up work plan)
If you have asthma, follow your asthma action plan during respiratory illness. (CDC — Asthma in Schools)

New Treatment Approaches

Flu vaccines are updated regularly to match circulating strains. (CDC — Prevent Flu)
Antiviral treatment options are available for flu in certain cases. (CDC — Flu Treatment)

Related Issues

Asthma flare-ups triggered by viral infections (MedlinePlus — Asthma)
Sinus infections or ear infections following a cold
School absences and academic stress

Ongoing Research

Better flu vaccines, universal flu vaccine research
More effective antiviral strategies

Clinical Trials & How to Participate

ClinicalTrials.gov — search “influenza” or “common cold”

Quick Table: Flu vs Common Cold (fast ID guide)

Feature	Flu (Influenza)	Common Cold
Onset	Often sudden	Usually gradual
Fever	Common	Less common (often mild if present)
Body aches	Common, can be intense	Mild or none
Fatigue	Often strong	Milder
Runny nose/sneezing	Sometimes	Common

When to see a doctor TODAY (checklist)

Breathing trouble, chest pain, severe wheezing
Severe dehydration or can’t keep fluids down
High fever that persists or returns after improving
Symptoms worsening after initial improvement
You have asthma/chronic illness and symptoms are significant

Myths vs Facts

Myth: “The flu is just a bad cold.”
Fact: Flu is a different virus and can be much more severe. (CDC — Flu vs Cold)
Myth: “Antibiotics will fix it.”
Fact: Antibiotics don’t treat viruses. (CDC — Antibiotic Use)
Myth: “If I can stand up, I should go to school.”
Fact: Rest helps recovery and staying home helps protect others.

Trusted Resources (Learn More)

Get Help Now (Helplines)

Emergency: If someone is struggling to breathe or is severely ill, call your local emergency number.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call/Text 988 — https://988lifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line (US): Text HOME to 741741 — https://www.crisistextline.org/

TeenThreads Mini “What to say” Script

To a parent/guardian: “I feel way worse than a normal cold—fever/aches/tired. Can we check if it’s flu?”
To a clinician: “My symptoms started on (day/time). I’m worried about flu and want to know if I need testing or treatment.”
To a teacher: “I’m sick and staying home to recover and not spread it.”

TeenThreads closer: Rest is not lazy. It’s recovery. Protect your lungs, protect your people, and come back stronger.