Two illnesses with similar symptoms.

The muscles aches, feverish forehead, stuffy nose, and the overall feeling like you've been hit by a train all make us do one thing, and that is to Google "cold vs flu symptoms."

Here at OCN, we've stressed the importance of getting a flu vaccine for the 2018-2019 flu season, but for those who either have or haven't had their shot it can be difficult to find out what exactly is going on in our body and if we need to make a trip to urgent care or just ride it out on the sofa while binge-watching Narcos.

The CDC has graciously created a chart that maps out the symptoms of cold and flu for the public to refer to:

If you believe that you may have the flu, it's important to seek medical attention within 48 hours in order to get prescription antivirals which decrease the flu's severity and gets you healthy more quickly. If left untreated, the flu can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia and that is not something you want to get unless you enjoy hospital stays. 

It's no fun being sick, especially when there's so much fun to be had this time of year in Colorado. Keep your hands washed, stay home from work or school if you feel crummy, and get plenty of rest and fluids.

If you're suffering a cold, give this article a look and kick those symptoms fast!