Is it a Cold or Flu?

How do I know if I have the flu?

The CDC defines flu symptoms to include fever (temperature of 100.3 degrees F [38 degrees C] or greater, or signs of fever such as chills, sweats, flushing, skin feeling hot) with cough and/or sore throat. In addition, you may experience headache, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, vomiting and diarrhea. To help determine if you have a cold or flu, and for more advice, complete this brief, flu screening.

Cold or flu? What to do?

In general, unless you are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, persistent fever more than 3-4 days, or have a high-risk condition, you should stay home and use self-care measures.

High risk conditions include:

• lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
• heart disease
• chronic kidney disease
• metabolic diseases like diabetes
• blood disorders like sickle cell or other severe anemia
• a weakened immune system caused, for example, by cancer or cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or corticosteroid therapy
• certain conditions such as nervous system or muscular disorders or seizure disorders that can cause breathing problems or increase the risk of inhaling oral secretions.
• pregnancy

How to Care for Yourself

Medications used to treat the flu or a cold control symptoms. Antibiotics won’t work – they combat bacterial, not viral, infections. Viruses actually hide inside your own cells where antibiotics cannot affect them. Flu and cold care is aimed at symptom relief and immune system support. These include the following:

• Get plenty of rest.​
• Do not smoke.
• Drink plenty of fluids—up to 3-4 liters per day (to prevent dehydration from fever and to help loosen mucous or phlegm).
• For fever, headache, body aches, or sore throat pain, take Tylenol (acetaminophen) Advil (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen) every 4-6 hours.
• For sore throat, gargle every 4 hours with warm, salty water (mix 1/2 teaspoon salt or baking soda in 8 oz. of warm water). Also, try using throat lozenges containing a numbing medication.
• For hoarseness or laryngitis, talk as little as possible. Straining the voice can prolong or worsen laryngitis.
• For heavy amounts of nasal discharge or a large amount of phlegm associated with cough, consider using a mucolytic, such as Mucinex (available over-the-counter).
• For persistent runny nose or nasal congestion, antihistamines and decongestants may be used. Mild antihistamines such as Chlor-Trimeton are useful for runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Use a decongestant such as Sudafed (pseudophedrine) for nasal/sinus congestion or ear fullness. A combination antihistamine/decongestant such as Actifed or Dimetapp may be taken for multiple symptoms. But remember, antihistamines may make you drowsy (decongestants usually will not)!
• Read this flu information (PDF) for more guidance​.​

When to Seek Medical Care

Flu and colds may lead to secondary bacterial infections or worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma for which prescription medication would be necessary. You should seek medical attention if you are not improving after 7-10 days or for any of the following symptoms:

• Very sore throat that shows no signs of improving after 3 days, or that is accompanied by fever and without any other usual cold symptoms
• Painful swelling of the lymph nodes or glands in the neck
• Discolored mucus from nasal passages for more than 7-10 days
• Pain or tenderness around the eyes
• Ear pain (as opposed to a “full” feeling)
• Cough with production of a large amount of discolored mucus
• Painful breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Cough that persists more than 2-3 weeks
• Severe headaches or facial pain not relieved with over-the-counter medication
• Fever higher than 100. 4 degrees for more than 3-4 days

W​ho can I talk to if I need more advice?

If you are ill and need additional advice you may call the SHS Urgent Care nurse at (858) 534-3302. ​After hours, you can reach an advice nurse by calling our main phone (858) 534-3300 and choosing the “Advice Nurse” option.

Migraine Chills: How Are They Treated?

According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine is one of the most disabling illnesses on Earth, affecting 1 in 7 people worldwide.

Migraine episodes can cause a variety of symptoms, from light sensitivity to dizziness, and more. Some people even experience body chills. These are most likely due to changes in your brain that can happen when a migraine episode is developing.

Read on to explore the science behind migraine chills, as well as other potential causes of chills, and how to treat migraine and migraine symptoms at home.

Migraine can cause a wide range of symptoms. Many of these vary from person to person. Common symptoms during a migraine attack may include:

• throbbing or pulsing pain
• pain in different areas of the head
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• nausea or vomiting
• sensitivity to light and sound

In some people, chills can develop as a migraine symptom during any stage of a migraine episode. Chills may come on a few hours or even a few days before a migraine episode develops.

To understand how body chills may be connected to migraine episodes, it’s helpful to first understand how migraine affects the brain.

According to 2018 research, migraine can lead to both structural and functional changes in the brain. Scientists have observed changes within specific areas and neurons of the brain, as well as nerves outside of the brain. In addition, researchers have found that certain molecules and receptors may also be associated with migraine development.

But how can changes in the brain related to migraine lead to symptoms like sweating, shivering, or body chills? In a 2015 review, researchers hypothesized that most migraine symptoms originate in various areas of the brain. These include your:

• hypothalamus
• brain stem
• cortex

Researchers think that neurological changes in these areas of the brain cause symptoms that appear during the stages before a migraine attack.

Most people experience chills or shivering when their body temperature goes down, and body temperature is controlled by the hypothalamus. One 2020 study also found that women who experience chronic migraine were more likely to report having cold hands or feet. This is most likely due to blood vessel changes occurring with migraine episodes.

In addition, the cerebral cortex is involved in muscle movement, and chills are the result of muscles involuntarily tightening and relaxing. Although shivering is more closely linked to activity in the hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex still plays a role in the way you perceive sensations in your body, such as chills.

Ultimately, changes within these areas of the brain can cause some people to feel chills during a migraine episode, among many other symptoms.

Other causes of chills

While some people may experience chills before or during a migraine episode, chills and headaches have other causes, too. These include:

• Illness. Viral infections, such as the common cold, and bacterial infections, such as food poisoning, can both cause chills and headaches. Other chronic health conditions, such as leukemia, can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including chills and headaches.
• Anxiety. Anxiety can trigger the fight-or-flight response and cause a wide range of physical symptoms. These symptoms include sweating, shaking, chills, hot flashes, headaches, muscle aches, and more. When anxiety leads to a panic attack, these symptoms may become even more noticeable.
• Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar, which is most often associated with conditions like diabetes, can cause sweating, shaking, body chills, and headaches. Hypoglycemia is a serious condition that requires medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.
• Hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition characterized by a severe drop in body temperature below 95°F. Symptoms of mild hypothermia include chills, shivering, headaches, poor coordination, and more.
• Overexertion. Overexertion, especially from vigorous exercise, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including body chills and headaches. Overexertion headaches aren’t usually seen with chills, but other conditions that can cause post-workout headaches — such as dehydration — might be.
• Medication. Certain medications, especially those prescribed for mental health conditions, can cause side effects such as chills and headaches. Other conditions related to medication use, such as medication overuse or serotonin syndrome, may cause these symptoms as well.

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Migraine symptoms can be treated with a variety of different medication options, including both acute medications and prophylactic (preventive) medications.

Acute medications are helpful for relieving symptoms once a migraine attack has already started and can include:

• painkillers, which relieve pain and inflammation
• ergotamines, which contract blood vessels to relieve pain
• triptans, which contract blood vessels and change serotonin levels to relieve pain and inflammation
• opioids, which relieve pain when traditional painkillers aren’t strong enough

Prophylactic medications are an essential part of migraine prevention for those with chronic migraine and may include:

• CGRP antagonists, which use antibody therapy to block certain migraine-related compounds
• beta-blockers, which block the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) and dilate the blood vessels
• calcium channel blockers, which regulate blood vessel contraction and dilation
• antidepressants, which change neurotransmitter levels in the brain
• anticonvulsants, which calm the nerves in the brain

Generally, any medication that helps relieve your migraine symptoms — whether before an attack or during one — should also help relieve chills if you experience them.

When to seek medical treatment for chills

In most cases, chills that accompany a migraine attack should resolve once the episode ends. However, if the chills don’t get better or are accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:

• fever of 104°F or above
• body temperature of 95°F or below
• coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• neck stiffness or difficulty moving your head
• confusion or mood changes
• abdominal pain or pain when urinating
• frequent urination or no urination
• vomiting or diarrhea

When these symptoms accompany a severe headache and chills, they can indicate a more serious underlying condition.

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If you experience migraine attacks or any other symptoms of migraine, such as chills, here are some home remedies to consider trying.

Home remedies for migraine

Recent research suggests that migraine prevention can reduce the frequency of attacks by as much as 50 percent when successful. Medications may help you find relief, but you can also consider lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraine attacks. These may include:

• Making dietary changes. Common dietary triggers for migraine include cured meats, chocolate, cheese and dairy, alcohol, and certain fruits, to name a few. Replacing these foods with migraine-friendly alternatives may help reduce migraine episode frequency. Adding certain foods to your diet, such as ginger and magnesium, may also help reduce migraine frequency and severity.
• Engaging in relaxing activities. Stress is a common trigger for many people with migraine, so adding stress-relieving activities to your routine is helpful for migraine prevention. Gentle workouts and activities, such as yoga and massage therapy, can help reduce daily stress levels and lower the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Considering alternative medicines. Some people have reported finding relief from migraine symptoms through alternative methods. Alternative therapies such as acupressure and aromatherapy may help manage migraine pain. In addition, certain herbal supplements, such as feverfew and butterbur, may help reduce migraine symptoms.

Home remedies for chills

Generally, home remedies are considered the first line of treatment for chills that do not accompany a serious condition. However, you may find that certain treatments work better than others, depending on the underlying cause.

If chills commonly accompany your migraine episodes, treating the underlying migraine should help reduce or even eliminate this symptom. If your chills and headaches have another underlying cause, such as a viral infection or medication use, sometimes over-the-counter or prescription medications can help temporarily relieve symptoms.

However, if you have been experiencing chills that do not go away with home treatments or become worse over time, contact a healthcare professional for further testing.

Migraine episodes can come with a wide variety of symptoms, including chills. Many of these symptoms can be debilitating for people living with migraine.

In some cases, chills can be caused by changes in the brain that happen before or during a migraine attack. In other cases, chills that accompany a headache may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

If you are concerned that your chills may be more than just a symptom of your migraine episodes, reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.

causes of severe headache with flu and SARS without fever, how to treat and what can be taken

07.12.2021

3-5 minutes

62 571

Contents

• Why does my head hurt when I have a cold
• Features of headache in colds and flu
• How to treat a headache with a cold and flu

With the onset of autumn, acute respiratory diseases and influenza become relevant for all people. This group of diseases is the most common. On average, almost every person suffers several episodes of SARS per year. ¹

The causative agents of acute respiratory infections are more than 200 types of viruses, of which the largest group is rhinoviruses. At the same time, against the background of SARS, bacterial complications often develop, as well as various allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis) become aggravated. ARVI is most dangerous for children and the elderly, as well as for people who already have chronic diseases of the respiratory system. ²

Why does my head hurt when I have a cold

Manifestations of influenza and SARS are divided into two groups – catarrhal and intoxication syndrome. The first includes symptoms such as dryness and sore throat, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, etc. However, these manifestations usually fade into the background.

The greatest discomfort for patients is the intoxication syndrome. It includes:

• chills

• increase in body temperature

• headache

• pain on eye movement

• weakness

• lacrimation

• sensitivity to light

Headache is one of the first symptoms of ARVI and the main manifestation of intoxication syndrome. It occurs suddenly and is localized in the temples and forehead. In severe cases, the headache is so severe that it may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The severity of the intoxication syndrome depends on body temperature. The higher it is, the more pronounced the characteristic symptoms. ³ Thus, a headache with influenza and SARS is a consequence of intoxication of the body.

Features of headache in colds and flu

Each group of diseases has its own clinical picture. With a cold, catarrhal syndrome comes to the fore. Therefore, patients are the first to be disturbed by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and other symptoms. In this case, the body temperature may be normal or rise slightly. Along with these manifestations, signs of intoxication syndrome are also noted. Therefore, with a cold, headaches can occur without fever.

With influenza, on the contrary, symptoms of intoxication develop first. The patient’s body temperature quickly rises, up to 40 ° C and, unlike a cold, there is a severe headache. ¹

Sinusitis and otitis media

It is important to distinguish between headache and sinus and ear pain. They can be a sign of complications such as sinusitis and otitis media, which develop in 2-8% of patients with influenza and SARS. ²

How to treat a headache with colds and flu

As already noted, a headache with ARVI in adults occurs one of the first and causes severe discomfort, so I want to get rid of this symptom as soon as possible. For this, symptomatic therapy is used, which is aimed at eliminating all manifestations of the disease. At the same time, preference is given to combined drugs that are able to simultaneously and comprehensively act on the main symptoms. ²

To eliminate severe headache in acute respiratory viral infections, as well as symptoms such as high fever and muscle pain, analgesic non-narcotic drugs, which include paracetamol, are widely used. It does not damage the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, which makes the drug particularly suitable for patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding).

Another area of ​​symptomatic therapy is the fight against runny nose and nasal congestion. For this purpose, drugs from the group of decongestants are used. They can be local (drops, sprays) and systemic (tablets, powders). Of the systemic decongestants, phenylephrine is the most widely used. ¹

In order to reduce the manifestations of intoxication syndrome, it is recommended to stay in bed, eat right, drink enough liquid (at least 2 liters per day) and take antioxidants, which include vitamin C, flavonoids and other compounds. ⁴

It is important to remember that antibiotics are not used in the treatment of influenza and SARS. The appointment of these drugs is possible only with the development of bacterial complications and only after their appointment by a doctor.

Complex preparations that can be used for the symptomatic treatment of influenza and colds include Coldrex. It consists of three main components:

• Paracetamol. Helps to eliminate headaches with colds, as well as other symptoms of intoxication (pain in muscles and joints, chills). Has an antipyretic effect.
• Phenylephrine. Belongs to the group of systemic decongeners. Eliminates nasal congestion, improves nasal breathing.
• Vitamin C. It is an antioxidant that replenishes the increased need for vitamin C in colds and flu, especially in the initial stages of the disease.

Coldrex is available in several forms that differ in the ratio of active ingredients. Therefore, everyone can choose the appropriate drug, depending on the characteristics of the clinical picture. Coldrex can be taken by adults and children.

Before using the drug, you must read the instructions.

• At the same time, Coldrex Junior is suitable for children from 6 years old.

• Kodreks HotRem (with lemon, lemon-honey, menthol and honey-lemon flavor) – for children from 12 years old

• Codrex Maxgripp can be taken from the age of 18

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References

1. Zaitsev A. A. Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections: rational symptomatic therapy // Medical business. 2016. No. 3. URL:
   https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/gripp-i-ostrye-respiratornye-virusnye-infektsii-ratsionalnaya-simptomaticheskaya-terapiya
2. Yakimova S.S. An integrated approach to the treatment of influenza and colds. Medical advice. 2013;(5):14-19.
   https://www.med-sovet.pro/jour/article/view/1036
3. S. G. Nekhaev, T. L. Badakva Analysis of clinical symptoms, laboratory and instrumental data in different periods of influenza patients // Bulletin of New Medical Technologies. Electronic edition. 2019. No. 3. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/analiz-klinicheskoy-simptomatiki-laboratornyh-i-instrumentalnyh-dannyh-v-razlichnye-periody-zabolevaniya-bolnyh-grippom
4. Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of Russia Federal Center for Influenza and ARI National Influenza Center WHO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF FLU IN ADULTS St. Petersburg 2014 https://crbelnya.zdrav.admin-smolensk.ru/admin/elfinder-1.2 /files/pamitka/gripp/rekomendacii%20po%20lecheniu%20i%20prof%20grippa.pdf

Useful information

Coldrex against colds

No one expects a cold “to visit”: it always comes unexpectedly and can easily disrupt your plans.

Learn more

Colds: signs, symptoms and treatment

The unpleasant symptoms of a cold are familiar to everyone: nasal congestion, “itchy” throat and a feeling of weakness. They can easily spoil the mood and change important plans.

Learn more

Prevention of colds, flu and ARVI

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) or the common cold, as we used to call them, are the most common diseases in our country.

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What to do at the first sign of a cold

Traditionally, a cold is an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), which has a mild course, often associated with the general hypothermia of the body.

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Colds without fever

The onset of the cold season means the arrival of the season of colds.

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Influenza: signs, symptoms and treatment

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness that can affect the upper and lower respiratory tract.

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If you have any questions

You can ask them via the feedback form

Types of headache in diseases and its features in different course of colds, flu or SARS

Rinza®

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Colds and Flu

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Cold and Flu Headache

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Cold and Flu Headache

• May 28, 2023

• 263 082

• 4 minutes

Author, editor and medical expert

Elina V. Klimovich

Editor

Arutyunyan Mariam Arutyunov at

Contents:

• What to do if you have a headache with a cold
• Headache with complications of SARS
• Pain in the temples
• Pain in the occipital region

difference between cold and flu headacheHow to get rid of a headache

The head can hurt for different reasons, one of them is a cold or acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), including influenza ¹ .

Mild colds sometimes occur without fever ¹ (or it rises slightly), but may be accompanied by moderate headache ⁶ . But, unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, with influenza, a headache is one of the first and most pronounced symptoms of infection ⁵ . Usually it occurs in the first hours of the disease against the background of an increase in body temperature up to 38-40 ^0C and can be combined with chills, pain and muscle weakness ⁶ . And other manifestations of the flu – nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sore throat, cough – can join later, sometimes only for 2-3 days ⁴ .

With ARVI and influenza, headache is usually associated with the so-called intoxication syndrome ² , that is, the reaction of the body that develops when viruses, bacteria or their destroyed particles enter the blood ¹⁶ .

What to do if you have a headache when you have a cold

In case of acute respiratory viral infections, the doctor may recommend taking medications that have a complex effect – antipyretic and analgesic ³ . This potential has paracetamol, which is the active ingredient in many medicines used for colds. RINZA ^® tablets intended for adults and children over 15 years of age contain paracetamol and caffeine, which enhances the effect of paracetamol ^9.12 . Can be activated in 10 minutes ¹³ , relieving headaches, fever and other cold symptoms ⁹ .

RINZA® tablets also contain:

• phenylephrine with vasoconstrictive activity, which reduces nasal congestion ⁹ .
• chlorphenamine with antiallergic action, which aims to reduce nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes and sore throat ⁹ .

RINZA® tablets can be taken 3-4 times a day for no more than 5 days ⁹ .

RINZASIP® with vitamin C – powder for the preparation of a drink with an increased dose of paracetamol (750 mg in one sachet) ¹⁰ . In addition to paracetamol, the preparation contains:

• pheniramine as an antiallergic component ¹⁰ ;
• ascorbic acid, which helps to strengthen the body’s defenses in the fight against infection ¹⁰ .

To reduce headaches and other symptoms of ARVI and flu, RINZASIP ® with vitamin C can be taken 3-4 times a day (4-6 hours should elapse between doses) ¹⁰ . The drug is intended for adults and children over 15 years of age ¹⁰ . From the age of 6, you can use RINZASIP® for children with raspberry flavor, which contains “children’s” doses of paracetamol (280 mg in 1 sachet), pheniramine and ascorbic acid ¹¹ .

Headache due to complications of ARVI

Sometimes the head hurts not because of a cold, but because of complications arising from it ^4.6 . In such cases, a person usually complains of pain in the temples, forehead, crown or back of the head. What these symptoms may be associated with, we will analyze further.

ARVI is often complicated by sinusitis, that is, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses ^3.4 . The peculiarity of these sinuses is the presence of communication between them and the nasal cavity ⁷ . If the sinuses located in the frontal bone are affected, pain in the forehead, or rather above the eyebrows, may be disturbing ⁷ .

Sinusitis headache usually associated with ⁷ :

• nasal congestion;
• impaired sense of smell;
• persistent or intermittent nasal discharge;
• sore throat and cough caused by sinus discharge running down the back of the throat.

For the diagnosis of sinusitis, an ENT (otolaryngologist) consultation is required. He conducts an examination, prescribes drug therapy and performs the necessary medical manipulations ⁷ .

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Pain in the temples

Pain in the temples may be a manifestation of developing otitis media – inflammation of the middle ear ⁴ . The middle ear cavity is connected with the nasopharynx by the auditory tube – this is a canal that is covered from the inside with a mucous membrane ¹⁸ .

Otitis media is not caused by the flu, but by a bacterial infection. The fact is that the influenza virus is able to suppress the immune system and disrupt the function of the ciliated cells of the mucous membranes ⁴ , which is used by bacteria that cause inflammation of the middle ear.

With otitis, there is a monotonous shooting pain in the ear, which radiates to the temple, teeth, lower jaw. The development of otitis is indicated by the appearance of tinnitus, hearing loss and discharge of pus from the ear ⁴ .

The appearance of the described symptoms is a signal for an immediate visit to the otolaryngologist. According to the indications, endoscopic surgery can be performed – a simple manipulation that facilitates the removal of pus and helps restore hearing function ¹⁴ .

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Pain in the occipital region

Headache in the occipital region usually occurs with sphenoiditis, inflammation of the sphenoid sinus ^{7, 15} . This paranasal sinus communicates with the nasal cavity through the fistula, and its posterior wall is connected with the occipital bone ¹⁷ .

Also severe (bursting) headache, covering the back of the head and forehead, may be a sign of meningism – a severe complication of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, which occurs with toxic irritation of the membranes of the brain ⁸ .

Meningism is also manifested by:

• high body temperature ⁸ ;
• delirium ¹ ;
• muscle tension in the back of the neck ⁸ ;
• insomnia ¹ ;
• vomiting ⁸ .

Be careful: if you notice similar symptoms in an adult or child, call a doctor urgently.

In conclusion, we remind you that SARS, influenza and headaches should not be underestimated. Sometimes a headache is associated with complications that occur after colds, but often it is a manifestation of other diseases that are not associated with a cold. In such situations, the use of symptomatic drugs, in particular painkillers, and the lack of treatment of the underlying disease can only aggravate the situation – mask the features of the headache and make it difficult for the doctor to diagnose. Therefore, do not rush to eliminate the symptom without knowing its cause. Contact a specialist for qualified medical assistance.

Symptomatic treatment

Among the drugs that help relieve headaches during colds, first of all, antipyretics and combined drugs should be singled out. These include an anti-cold product line: RINZA® tablets and powder ^* RINZASIP® with vitamin C ^4.5 . They are designed to relieve the symptoms of flu, colds and other acute respiratory infections. The composition of these drugs as one of the active ingredients includes paracetamol, which has antipyretic and analgesic (pain) properties ^4.5 . The dosage of the active substance in RINZA ^® tablets is 500 mg ⁴ , in RINZASIP ^® hot drink powder with vitamin C for adults – 750 mg ⁵ , which corresponds to the recommendations of the World Health Organization for the use of paracetamol in patients with cold treatment and flu.