that would be a difficult question to answer without the ability to examine you. cold and influenza are viruses and tend to cause similar symptoms. influenza tends to be worse usually with a fever response (not just hot or cold flashes). influenza is a respiratory viruses some abdominal symptoms are not typical in adults (kids with flu can get them though). if i had to take a guess i would say that you most likely have a nasty viral infection but not necessarily influenza. the only way to be sure is to have a rapid flu test. if you have been ill for less than two days antiviral medications like tamiflu can be used. there is really nothing that can be done for a cold other than symptom control. treating the symptoms of colds and flu is often the only thing that can be done; trying to feel better while nature orchestrates the cure. both colds and flu last about a week with the first 3-4 days being the worst.
do i have the flu or a cold? . i have a headache running nose (sometimes with blood) bad cough heat and cold flashes nauseous and a loss of appetite.