QUINCY, ILL. -- It's flu season in the Tri-States.

And chances are, you know someone who's been under the weather this winter.

So how do you know if you have the flu or if it's just the common cold?

More specific than that, is it influenza A, Influenza B or the H-1-N-1 virus?

Karen Spring works as the communicable disease coordinator at the Adams County Health Department. She says there is a difference between catching a cold and getting the flu. With a cold, you don't have the spike in fever like you do when you're down with influenza. And the flu can be especially dangerous to those who have a health- related issue that affects your immune system.

Spring said, "If your immunity is compromised in some way, elderly or maybe you have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, something like that where your immunity is compromised, it's best to, if you feel that you're getting worse after 24 hours, you should call your physician and get in and see the doctor.

"Like any other type of respiratory problem you may have, you want to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids, whether it be juice or water. Water is always good no matter what kind of problems you have. Get plenty of rest and stay home from wherever you are suppose to be, whether it be at work or school so you're not passing it onto someone else," according to Spring.

And if you do come down with the flu, Spring says ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help alleviate symptoms to help you feel better during the recovery process.

Karen Spring also told us if you are exposed to the flu virus, it usually takes between one to seven days for you to develop symptoms, which many times include fever, aches, body pain and fatigue.