What’s the difference between cold and flu?
Cold And Flu – These are common health conditions people experience but they are not the same as most would perceive.
In parts of the world with four seasons, flu season occurs from fall to early spring. In tropical countries, this condition often hits people during the cold or rainy season. This comes with sniffling, sneezing, coughing, fatigue, and all the familiar trappings of the flu. There are common places where you can get flu.
Flu’s severity depends on the person, based on the article in Healthline. There are flu shots available to protect you. Some people, if not many, perceived that cold and flu are just similar. They are respiratory illnesses and can cause similar symptoms. However, different viruses cause these two conditions.
It is common for a person with either of these conditions to experience a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, body aches, and general fatigue. However, it is a general rule that flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms.
Colds rarely cause another illness. The severity also sets the difference between the two conditions. Flu may lead to other conditions, such as sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia, and sepsis. If your symptoms are severe, it is advisable to be diagnosed to make sure if it is cold or flu.
Commonly, you will feel these symptoms if you have the flu:
- Fever
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
When the diagnosis is cold, most likely, you will have the following treatments:
- using over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications
- staying hydrated
- getting plenty of rest
Once it is flu, you need to take flu medicine early in the cycle of the virus. This may help reduce the severity of the illness and shorten the time that you are sick. You also need to rest and keep yourself hydrated.
Flu vaccines are another option and they come in different forms.
- injectable shot
- high-dose injectable shot (for those over age 65)
- intradermal shot
- nasal spray