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Because these two types of diseases have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on the symptoms. Cold and flu are very common in the winter months.

Cold is a mild respiratory disease than the flu and does not lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization. On average, adults catch two or three colds per year, and children more.

In general, the flu is more severe than the cold, and the symptoms are stronger. The flu can also lead to serious health problems, such as pneumonia and hospitalization. The flu is less common, but still affects people every season.

COLD AND FLU CAUSES

Cold and flu are both respiratory diseases, but they are caused by different viruses.

More than 200 different viruses, including rhinoviruses and some coronaviruses (not the one responsible for COVID-19), can cause a cold.

Flu viruses cause the flu and there are three main types: A, B, and C. The most common types during the flu season are A and B.

COLD SYMPTOMS

Although you may feel sick when you have a cold, the symptoms are generally mild compared to the flu. Here are some common cold symptoms:

  • Mild or no fever
  • Children are more likely to have a fever
  • Runny nose or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Cough (mild)
  • Fatigue (sometimes)
  • Sneeze
  • Wet eyes
  • Headache (rare)
  • Muscle pain

The cold gradually appears in a few days and is often milder than the flu. Symptoms last between seven and 10 days, although they can last up to two weeks.

Although the cold can occur at any time of the year, it is more common in the winter months. This is because most cold-causing viruses develop when the humidity is low.

The cold spreads through secretions that are eliminated when a sick person sneezes or coughs. You can get sick if you touch a surface that has recently been touched by a sick person and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. The cold is contagious in the first two to four days after exposure to the virus.

FLU SYMPTOMS

The flu is a common respiratory infection caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Here are some common flu symptoms:

  • Moderate to severe fever
  • Runny nose or stuffy nose (sometimes)
  • Sore throat (sometimes)
  • Cough (usually dry)
  • Severe fatigue
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea (most common in children)

Flu symptoms appear quickly and can be severe. It usually lasts one to two weeks.

Unlike cold, which occurs at any time of the year, the flu is generally seasonal.

During the flu season, you can catch the flu by coming in contact with secretions spread by a sick person. The flu is contagious starting one day before you get sick and up to five-seven days after the onset of symptoms.

FLU RISKS

People who are at risk of developing serious complications are:

  • People over the age of 65
  • Pregnant women
  • Children under the age of 2
  • Children under the age of 18 taking aspirin
  • People with weakened immune systems due to HIV, steroid treatment, or chemotherapy
  • People who suffer from obesity
  • People with chronic lung or heart disease
  • People with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, anemia, or kidney disease

In some cases, emergency medical care is required. In adults, signs of an emergency include:

  • Breathing problems
  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe headache
  • Severe sore throat
  • Cough that produces green mucus
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • High, persistent fever
  • Persistent vomiting

In children, signs of an emergency include:

  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Lethargy and inability to interact normally
  • Irritability
  • Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen
  • Fever accompanied by a rash

TREATMENT

How to treat a cold

Because the cold is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in treating it. Antihistamines, decongestants, and acetaminophen can relieve congestion, pain, and other cold symptoms. It is recommended to consume fluids to avoid dehydration. Some people take natural remedies, such as zinc, vitamin C, or echinacea, to prevent or relieve cold symptoms. Vitamin C does not seem to prevent colds, but if you consume it constantly, it may lessen the symptoms.

How to treat the flu

In most cases, fluid intake and rest are the best ways to treat the flu. High fluid intake is recommended to avoid dehydration. Decongestants and painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can control your symptoms and help you feel better. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat the flu. These medicines can shorten the duration of the flu and prevent complications such as pneumonia. However, they may not be effective if they are not taken within 48 hours of getting sick.

Unlike the cold, the best way to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine. If you have been vaccinated against the flu and still have the flu, your symptoms will be easier than if you had not been vaccinated.

For more information about the flu vaccine, you can read our articles on this topic: Flu vaccine and Myths about the flu vaccine.

COLD AND FLU PREVENTION

There are steps you can take to stay away from viruses that cause respiratory diseases and to reduce the risk of spreading them:

  • Stay away from sick people
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Disinfect surfaces regularly
  • Get enough sleep, avoid a sedentary lifestyle, and reduce stress
  • Consume plenty of fluids and eats nutritious foods

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory diseases, including the flu, during the flu season is more important than ever.

If you want to find out about the flu vaccine, check out our article on this topic: All about flu vaccine.

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