Cold and flu can be confusing for many people, because they share some similar symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, and sore throat, but they are actually caused by diverse viruses. Flu is much more severe than a cold.
Yeah, we know, sometimes it can be quite tricky to tell the difference between these viral infections, especially in winter and spring when they are generally active.
For that reason, Your Health Tubers prepare you some basic guidelines that will help you learn the difference:
About common cold
Common cold, or just cold, is a virus-related infectious illness of the upper respiratory tract. Usually, it primarily affects the nose. Colds usually go away within a few days.
The signs and symptoms may start less than 2 days following contact.
Because of the fact that cold is a viral infection, antibiotics are not very effective in treating a cold.
Some people take natural remedies for cold, such as vitamin C, zinc, or Echinacea. Homemade juices and teas can be truly helpful in a case of cold (and flu as well). Here you can find really effective and tasty juices that can help you: LINK
Cold symptoms
Cold symptoms can last for a few days, and they are not that serious like in the case of the flu. Here are the most common symptoms of cold:
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or a runny nose
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Cough
- Mild-tiredness
- Fever (in same cases)
Colds can be contagious during the first 2-3 days, therefore, you should rest more and stay at home. Cold can also be caused by flu.
The common cold is not the same as the flu.
About Flu
Flu (or influenza) is an infectious epidemiologic disease spread by sneezes and coughs. It usually can last for about one week. Flu symptoms may be mild to severe.
You can catch it through the all year, but it is mostly common in winter. That’s why it better known as “seasonal flu”.
Flu can make you feel fatigued and ill that you will have to stay at home (not to go to work, school, or other public places) and rest until you get better.
Flu symptoms
Flu symptoms come really quickly and they are usually more severe than the cold symptoms. Flu symptoms include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- tiredness and weakness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Soreness
- Tiredness and weakness
- Cough
- Congestion
- Fever (a high temperature) of 100.4F (38C) or even above
Sometimes, the flu can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. This kind of condition is known as swine flu.
Prevention of cold and flu
The most important prevention measure is regular hand washing. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water to slough germs off the skin.
You should also drink plenty of water and other natural liquids that will help to remove the toxins from your body. In a season of cold and flu, you can also get a vaccine to prevent influenza.
Seasonal flu activities in the USA usually peaks between December and March.
Conclusion:
Practice proper hygiene, drink more water, consume natural juices and teas that are full of vitamin C, as well as prevention vaccine, can help you avoid cold and flu. Because colds spread very easily, the best thing to prevent them is avoidance. You should try to stay away from anyone who is sick, and do not share personal items (e.g. towel, toothbrush, a glass of bottle of water).
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