Cold vs. Flu: Recognize the difference

 

Cold and flu; are they same? Most of us think so. But this is wrong. As a matter of fact, flu is a lot more fatal and can even result in death, if not treated, whereas common cold can be nothing but an infection causing us a running nose and a bit discomfort and nuisance. It is very important to treat flu at the earliest. And more important is to know its symptoms and to be able to distinguish between a cold and flu.

Cold vs. Flu: Difference in the symptoms

Although cold and flu are both respiratory infections, they are the result of two different viruses and have different symptoms. Cold can be caused by over 200 viruses and hence it is unavoidable, once you are exposed to them. Flu, however, is caused mainly due to the influenza virus which is highly contagious in nature. When a person with the flu sneezes or even coughs, the influenza virus becomes airborne and can affect the other people in the nearby surrounding. Even common use of things like telephone can cause this deadly virus to spread to others.

1. 1. The symptoms of cold occur gradually over a week or 2-3 days whereas the symptoms of flu can be sudden – within 2-3 hours. The symptoms of flu are also much more severe.
   2. Flu is most often accompanied by fever with 102-104F whereas cold rarely comes with fever. However, in growing children or in older people, there are greater chances of common cold being accompanied with fever. This is because of their weak immune system.
   3. A person having the flu feels easily tired. Even after recovering from the flu, the fatigue does not leave the body soon. The weakness may last for weeks together. In cold, although we feel tired but we can still manage to do our daily chores.
   4. Cold and flu both give headaches but the headache is much milder in cold than in flu.
   5. In flu, you usually tend to have a dry cough. Chest pain is experienced too. Pneumonia is an infection of the lung caused by the flu and some may cough up yellow-green or bloody phlegm. If this is so, contact a physician immediately. Cold, being a respiratory illness, also result in cough but the cough is more hacking and productive.
   6. Most colds start with a sore throat. The flu does not start with a sore throat. However, a sore throat can be one of the symptoms of it. A sore throat during the flu is most likely to be accompanied by a lot of weakness.
   7. Both cold and flu can give you earaches and sinus infections. In case of a sinus infection, one must see a doctor immediately.
   8. If you can’t figure out yourself whether you have the cold or the flu or aren’t too sure, you can get a throat or a nasal swab test done at the doctor’s clinic. Most doctors will give you the results in thirty minutes or less. You’d be lucky if your flu symptoms have started within 48 hours of the test and you’re tested positive for it, because you’d still have time to start an antiviral treatment which would treat you quickly.

Things to watch out for

1. 1. 1. Check the product labels before consuming medicines without prescription. There is no requirement to take strong medicines in case of a cold. You can take mild medicines like cough syrup and balm to deal with congestion, cough, and nasal symptoms. Some medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can cure pain or headache. It is important to check the ingredients, expiry dates, and warnings on the medicines which you buy from a drugstore.

2. It is also not advisable to take an aspirin every now and then.

Preventive measures

1. 1. 1. Wash your hands well and maintain personal hygiene.
      2. Remember to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
      3. Get a flu vaccination done. It is more important that pregnant ladies, children older than 6 months and senior citizens take this vaccine. Such people are more prone to the flu owing to their weak immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are swine flu and seasonal flu the same?

Swine flu and the regular flu share a lot of symptoms: cough, sore throat, fever (although not everyone with flu gets a fever), and body aches. But many people with swine flu also develop stomach problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Swine flu is still a threat and much more severe than the seasonal flu and needs to be treated immediately.