Does a cold give you body aches

Katarzyna LaLicata, MSN, FNP-C, FNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner at CVS MinuteClinic and an associate clinical assistant professor at National University in San Diego, California.

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system and can sometimes include mild aches and pain, though those are more common with the flu.

The symptoms associated with colds, most commonly congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sore throats, are the body's response when a virus exerts its effects on the immune system. Cold symptoms peak at about 1 to 2 days and last 7 to 10 days but can last up to 3 weeks.1Cold symptoms come on gradually with slight aches accompanied by fatigue.2Fever and headache are rare symptoms associated with the common cold.1,2However, children may experience fever.1,2Rhinovirus is the most common underlying cause of the common cold.3Other pathogens include coronavirus, influenza, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza respiratory syncytial virus, and.3Treatment for the common cold includes adequate fluid intake, handwashing, and rest.

OTC medications can help relieve symptoms, especially mild aches. Analgesics and antipyretics can be used, including acetaminophen, aspirin, and naproxen.3Acetaminophen is recommended for the management of fever and pain in both adults and children.3Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce discomfort associated with a cold, but should be used cautiously.3Serious adverse reactions can occur with the use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, including, but not limited to, gastrointestinal bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation or ulcer, myocardial infarction, nephrotoxicity, and stroke.4Aspirin may be used to manage fever and pain for adults but should not be used for those younger than 18 years, because of the risk of Reye syndrome in adolescents and children.3Patients' with liver disease or impairment should speak to their providers prior to taking acetaminophen for the management of fever and/or pain.

OTC cold and cough preparations include acetaminophen or NSAIDS as an ingredient for the management of aches and pains. Counsel patients not to exceed the recommended dose of any medication used for the treatment of aches and pains. Tell them to take just 1 medication with the same kind of active ingredient (acetaminophen or NSAIDS) at a time by reviewing the ingredients section on the back of the label,5and to speak to a health care professional to ensure safety. Patients should know that in case of accidental overdose, it is imperative to get medical help right away or contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.6

Patients who do not feel better in 10 to 14 days or who develop chest pain, confusion, headache, a high fever, one that lasts 5 days or more or returns after a fever-free period, rash, severe sore throat or whole body aches, shortness of breath, sinus pain, or wheezing, should see a physician right away, as these may be signs of a serious infection.7,8

It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention for any fever of at least 100.4F (38C) in newborns up to 12 weeks of age, cough, ear pain, extreme fussiness, headache, lack of appetite, a rising fever or one that lasts more than 2 days of any age, unusual drowsiness, wheezing, or worsening symptoms.8

Conclusion

Meticulous handwashing is the best bet for preventing the common cold. The common cold is self-limiting, and antibiotics are not recommended. Treatment focus, including for aches and pains, is limited to comfort measures and symptom management.

References

1. Allan GM, Arroll B. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence.CMAJ. 2014;186(3):190-199. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.121442.

3. Common cold. Epocrates website. online.epocrates.com/diseases/252/Common-cold. Updated March 22, 2019. Accessed September 12, 2019.

4. Ibuprofen. Epocrates website. online.epocrates.com/u/10a234/ibuprofen. Accessed September 12, 2019.

An expert offers advice for those worried sick about their symptoms.

This article was updated on September 16, 2021.

You wake up one morning feeling under the weather. While in previous years you may have chalked up a sore throat or body aches to a run-of-the-mill cold or flu, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adds a new element of concern to getting sick.

“There is significant overlap between symptoms of influenza and COVID,” said Laraine Washer, medical director of infection prevention and epidemiology at Michigan Medicine. “Both can present with fevers, chills, cough, muscle/body aches, fatigue and headache.” Here, Washer offers advice to follow during this unique cold and flu season.

Is it a cold, the flu or COVID?

Cold symptoms are mild and the common cold tends not to be associated with fever or headache. 

Congestion/runny nose is common for the common cold and would be uncommon to be the only symptom for influenza. Congestion/runny nose can be a symptom of a COVID infection and might be the only symptom in mild cases.

SEE ALSO: Seeking Medical Care During COVID-19

Flu symptoms are often of rapid onset. COVID symptoms can be of rapid or more gradual onset. 

Says Washer, one symptom that is more unique to a COVID infection is the loss of taste or smell. And symptoms from the delta variant are similar to prior versions of COVID.

Should I get a test?

Washer says that in many settings, the only way to tell the difference between COVID and influenza is by testing. “The differentiation can be very important as there are isolation requirements to prevent transmission of COVID and antivirals that can be used for influenza,” she explained.

If you have fever/chills, new cough or new shortness of breath, you should stay home and arrange to be tested for COVID.

If you have two or more of the following symptoms: 

• headache,

• new muscle aches,

• new upper respiratory symptoms (congestions, runny nose, sore throat),

• new loss of taste or smell, new nausea/vomiting/diarrhea,

• or new rash,

you should consider COVID testing, even if you’ve been vaccinated. If you have had a known close contact exposure to someone with COVID, you should be tested even if you have one mild symptom.  If you are a Michigan Medicine patient, you can call the COVID hotline (734-763-6336). There is a low threshold for COVID testing given risk of transmission to others.  Once influenza season begins, your doctor may also wish to test you for flu.

Should I call the doctor?

If you have any chronic medical conditions, are over the age of 65, or are not vaccinated, you are at higher risk of getting a severe COVID infection and should call your doctor. Call your doctor for a fever that does not go down with fever reducing medicine (do not use aspirin as it is contraindicated in influenza) or any severe symptoms or symptoms that get worse over time.

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Should I go to the emergency room?

Go the emergency department if you have chest pain or pressure, confusion, difficulty breathing or blue discoloration to your lips or face.

And while social distancing and masking reduced flu last year, that may not be the case this year.

Last year, “flu and other respiratory illnesses were reduced in the Southern Hemisphere, whose flu season typically stretches from May to November,” said Washer. However, there is already a moderate to high level of influenza circulating in some U.S. states, so there will likely be significantly more cases of the flu this winter compared to last year.

The flu shot and COVID vaccine

Getting a flu shot this year is particularly important to reduce the potential for a twin pandemic of influenza and COVID, which could further overwhelm the healthcare system. The flu vaccine has been updated this year to better match circulating strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you get the flu shot before the end of October, but it’s never too late to get one. Plus, if you haven’t gotten your COVID vaccine yet, you can get one at the same time as your flu shot.

Added Dr. Washer, “Continue to social distance, avoid large gatherings and wear your mask! And get and use a thermometer.”

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