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PRINTGot the Flu? Or is it a Cold?
Symptoms of both a cold and the flu can be similar. Both the common cold and the flu (influenza) are caused by viruses—but by different types of viruses.
The rhinovirus is the most common cause of a cold, while the influenza virus causes the flu. A fever is common with the flu, but rare with a cold. You may have a headache, muscle pains, weakness and fatigue with a cold, but with the flu, these symptoms are very common and usually severe.
Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat are common with a cold, but less common with the flu.
Both the common cold and the flu can lead to complications. The common cold can cause sinus congestion and earaches. The flu can lead to more severe problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It is a good idea to seek medical attention if these symptoms seem to linger or become severe.
Got a cold?
Try this old Irish remedy: pour a pint of boiling water over a handful of rosemary leaves placed in a pot. Cover and infuse as you do with ordinary tea. Take ½ pint daily while cold lasts.
Coughing keeping you up?
Rub some Vapo Rub or Vix on the bottom of your feet before you go to bed. It's been known to help.
Can’t sleep?
Try some honey and warm milk or chamomile tea before bedtime
Sandi Duncan is the Managing Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. Click here to read Sandi's full biography.This Week's Features
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Farmers' Almanac Long Range Weather
February 8th - February 11th
- Northeast U.S.
Wet snow mixed with rain Mid-Atlantic north through New England; slushy accumulations of 4+" possible.
- Midwest/Great Lakes U.S.
Accumulating snows Kentucky, Ohio, then clearing. Fair elsewhere.
- Southeast U.S.
Wet snow Tennessee, western North Carolina; wintry mix northern Mississippi, Alabama. Elsewhere, rain, then clearing.
- North Central U.S.
Drier, much colder.
- South Central U.S.
Snow parts of Arkansas, then clearing, cold. Clear, much colder elsewhere.
- Northwest U.S.
Drier, but colder.
- Southwest U.S.
Drier, but noticeably colder.
• View entire Long Range Weather Forecast »
• Farmers' Almanac 2011-12 Winter Outlook »
• View the Almanac Daily Planner »
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.