With cold and flu season upon us, it is especially important to have a strong understanding of these common respiratory illnesses in order effectively identify the severity and nature. Although colds and the flu have some similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. This article will help you determine the difference, how to prevent it effectively and when to consult a healthcare provider.
What is the Common Cold?
The common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract which primarily affects the nose. It is most commonly caused by the rhinoviruses, however is also triggered to other viruses such as coronaviruses and adenoviruses. Colds are caused by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated objects.
Symptoms of a Common Cold:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
Low grade Fever (Uncommon in Adults and Commonest sign seen with children)
Sniffles show up slowly and are rather light, for the most part. Recovery times are normally 7 to10 days without medical treatment.
What is the Flu?
Influenza -The flu or influenza is a more severe respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. While similar to the common cold, influenza can cause severe illness in some people — those 65 and older, pregnant women or little kids less than two years old; having chronic health problems like heart disease; getting very sick from flu is dangerous for them.
Symptoms of the Flu:
- Fever (usually > 100°F or 38°C)
- Muscles hurting all over the body
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Chills and sweats
In some cases, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea; vomiting; or diarrhea)
Symptoms of the flu are typically more severe than those experienced with a cold and usually appear suddenly. Influenzapneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
Tips on how to keep healthy and avoid the disease:
- Vaccination: Vaccines provide the best safeguard from flu virus. While it is not foolproof, being immunized greatly lessens the chances of ending up with a severe illness and health issue causing death.
- Maintain hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water-hands should be washed well for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your face, especially you eyes, nose and mouth to help stop the spread of germs.
- Use Hand Sanitizer — When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% of the time.
- Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover when coughing or sneezing. Throw tissues away in the trash after use Wash your hands,orrecommends fully disposing of a pouch and washing your handslater.
- Avoid Close Contact: It is very important that you keep distance from the one who appears to be sick. If you are sick, stay home and help prevent spreading the virus to others.
Take Care of Your Immune System – Eat healthy, exercise regularly, drink enough water and get good sleep. Being stressed out is a real immune system killer.
Treatment Options
As is the case for colds, treatment mostly just helps to ease symptoms. OTC medications can help reduce congestion, clear up fever and aches, ease discomfort. Even more importantly, get rest and rehydration.
If Flu: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a prescription antiviral medication that can lessen the duration of illness and reduce risk of complications, but works best only if taken in first 48 hours after symptoms develop.
When to Call the Doctor
Although cold and flu are managed at home, some symptoms may indicate the need to see a doctor;
Dyspnea or difficulty breathing
Chest pain or pressure that does not go away.
Severe or persistent vomiting
Confusion or sudden dizziness
If your flu symptoms improve, and then return with a high fever or worsening cough
A high fever that doesn’t improve with removal of clothing and the use of medication
