Identifying the common cold and flu is essential so that a proper treatment approach can be followed according to the disease and symptoms occurring. Let’s explore the difference between cold and flu, along with symptoms and treatment.
As the temperature starts falling and people start spending more time indoors, cases of common cold and flu increase. How to tell if it’s a cold or the flu? Well, in both diseases, the condition of the person becomes bad, but different viruses cause both diseases, and the approaches to cure both diseases are also different. It is important to differentiate the symptoms of the cold and flu so that different treatment approaches can be followed to manage the symptoms and disease properly. It is important to differentiate between these to prevent complications and to avoid unnecessary use of medications. For both the flu and the common cold, recovery starts with rest and supportive care. The symptoms appear because your immune system is fighting against the invading virus. Drinking lots of fluid, eating a healthy diet, and getting lots of rest promote quick recovery. The symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat can be easily managed with cold and flu remedies at home. These remedies often include rest, hydration, use of pain relievers, and decongestants.
Differentiating between cold and flu
The common cold: Rhinoviruses cause the common cold, although other viruses, such as coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenoviruses, can also cause cold-like symptoms.
The Flu (Influenza): Influenza disease is caused by the influenza virus. There are several strains, and there is a chance of seasonal epidemics. The flu is more severe than the cold. It sometimes causes very severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization in older adults, children, and those with a weak immune system.
Cold vs flu symptoms
Symptoms of cold and flu may overlap, but some important key differences can help patients differentiate between them:
Common cold
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- Onset is gradual
- Fever is mild or absent majorly in adults
- Mild body aches or absent
- Mild to moderate fatigue
- Runny/stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, mild body aches
Flu
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- Onset is sudden and severe
- High fever lasting for 3 to 4 days
- Severe body aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Headaches, runny/stuffy nose, muscle aches, sore throat, and diarrhea/vomiting are common in children.
Neither vomiting nor diarrhea is usually associated with the common cold, but they both may appear in the flu. Identifying whether you are suffering from a cold or flu is essential, and a person can get a diagnostic test within a few days of their symptoms starting.
Incubation period
It is a period that defines the time between exposure to the virus and when symptoms first occur.
Cold vs flu incubation period : 12 hours to three days for the common cold and one to four days for influenza.
When to confirm it is flu
When symptoms appear, along with high fever, intense body pains, and extreme fatigue, you are more likely to deal with the flu. A feeling of exhaustion takes over your body, and you are bedridden until the symptoms subside. If your family, coworkers, or classmates have recently contracted the flu, then there is a high chance that you are suffering from the flu.
Diagnosis for Cold and Flu
The symptoms of cold and flu can easily be distinguished and diagnosed; sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend testing, particularly during flu season or in high-risk populations. Diagnosis methods like Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTS) can provide results in as little as 15 minutes and help confirm the diagnosis of flu.
Treatment option
Cold vs flu treatment: Both are caused by viral infections, but treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms instead of eliminating the virus.
For common cold –
There are no treatments for the common cold, but there are treatment methods to relieve the symptoms:
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- The body needs more energy to fight the virus, so rest as much as possible
- Drink lots of water or other fluids to keep your body hydrated and help thin mucus
- Over-the-counter medications:
- Decongestants are used to relieve the nasal blockage
- There are drugs such as acetaminophen to reduce aches and fever
- Humidifiers and saline sprays help clear nasal passages and ease breathing
Preventive measures to take during the cold:
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- There are no vaccinations for the common cold, but good hygiene practices can prevent the flu and reduce the risk of catching a cold.
- Following a healthy lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep improves one’s immune system and thus lowers the chances of infection.
For Flu –
The treatment course for flu depends on the severity of the illness and the person’s overall health.
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- Antiviral drugs:
- The drugs like oseltamivir, zanamivir, or baloxavir can reduce the duration of the flu if taken within 48 hours of symptoms. This medication can only be taken after a doctor’s prescription.
- Supportive care:
- Take plenty of rest
- Keep your body hydrated
- Use medicine to reduce fevers and take painkillers as needed
- Antiviral drugs:
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- Take medical help:
- If breathing and chest pain are bothering you, consult your physician as soon as possible. If symptoms worsen after improving, visit your doctor. Elderly, pregnant women, infants, or patients with chronic illnesses must seek medical help if they get infected with the flu.
- Prevention:
- Get the flu vaccine annually. It is the best defence against seasonal influenza and can keep the severity in check if infected.
- Practice good hygiene
- Wash hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when sneezing
- Keep a distance from sick individuals, and if you are infected, keep a distance from a healthy person
- Stay indoors when infected to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
- Take medical help:
When to visit a doctor
Most cold cases are resolved within days without the need for medical consultations, but you must consult a doctor in the following situations:
- If symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement
- There is a persistent high fever
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion
- If the child is lethargic, not eating food properly, has a high fever, and is not responding to medication.
- Older people, patients with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women must consult their doctors when infected.
Conclusion:
The common cold and flu share almost the same symptoms, but there are differences in severity, onset, and symptoms. The symptoms help to differentiate between cold and flu. Identifying symptoms is essential for managing symptoms and protecting others around you. The most important thing is to adopt good hygiene habits and get an annual flu shot. This can help you fight the common cold and flu.
